Family Picnic
By Dolores J. Rush
Mother on a summer day
Put on her apron of gingham gay
Cooked a dish of home-dried fruit
And pressed her husband’s Sunday suit.
Washed the dishes, made the bed
Boxed up fried chicken, loaves of bread
A cake or pie, the butter and jam
Deviled eggs and a bit of ham.
She tied up the dog and fed the cat
Gathered the kids; their ball and bat
Grabbed lawn chairs; a quilt to sit on
Directed daddy to load the wagon.
Putt, putt to the picnic at the park
To see grandma and grandpa, cousin Fred, until dark
To have a bit of frolic and bunches of fun
To splash in the pool and roast in the sun.
Mother brought her latest project, a recipe or two
To share with her sisters and cousins too
A snippet of fabric; a start of a houseplant,
School photos to dole out to all great-aunts.
Mother had a delightful time; a visit with the folks
Her family’s day ended on a gentle note
Full of happy memories; good food; tired bodies too
They couldn’t wait till next year to begin anew.
