Anniversary

foyer lights are on full dimmer
shoes laid neatly on their rack
coats arranged, from fat to slimmer
empty hangers in a stack

dainty dishes stew and simmer
children banished from their quests
of the moon, not yet a glimmer
mamma readies for her guests

streetlights twinkle on, and steady
by the time the doorbell rings
mamma, standing at the ready
jumps a bit as if on springs

the door opens, there is Eddie
parents, gothic, by his side
pitchfork left at home, a teddy
Eddie brought it for his bride

awkward silence for a second
mamma brushes off a tear
a wide smile, come in, I reckon
do come in, come in, oh dear

all are silent through the check in
small talk frozen in the throat
mamma finds her voice and beckons
Eddie's mom gives up her coat

house tour is declined, politely
heading to the dining room
mamma leads the way, lit brightly
followed by the bride and groom

table, round, its seating knightly
to ensure a proper view
dishes flavorful and sightly
Eddie whispers: I love you

***********************************

forty years, the story's written
tiny chapters on my knees
come to play here with my kittens
Ed and I, forever smitten
tiny chapters, here's a squeeze