How the topic of death worked itself into our (festive) gathering
Redux, this gathering, this group. Of us.
Once intent on, dependent on our youth
and into middle. Now we compare
with our eyes still able to see
who we are is who we were
except for how we’re no longer, quite.
It’s a shame and it’s not. Laughter fills
our glasses even if some of us no longer
imbibe. Plenty of wine & seltzer to go around
along with the usual hummus and pita,
crackers and cheese. Apple cake for dessert
though some of us decline.
Between it all, the paragraphs of talk
and cheer, is the mention of the slide toward
the great unbroken void.. We see it
in each other’s eyes. Take photos
to hold what may no longer be
a next time in our time.