High winds and the power went off
with evening coming on fast.
Still cooking with gas
three generations spicing the sauce
we gathered round the candle-lit table
to indulge in delicious memories
and tales from babyland.
For dessert the games began,
too dark for cards or complex boards
but not for murder round the table.
Mindful of the detective's watch
we died at the flick of a murderous tongue,
except when lips began to quiver
and poker faces dissolved in giggles.
Moving candles into the living room
while the wind howled ever louder
we settled down cozy and safe
the pet pig and the children cuddling together,
and the once-upon-a-time tales began
the telling moving round between us.
Silly stories with sharp turns
and swift endings,
shaggy dog yarns going nowhere fast.
The hours flew by in our own entertainment
family power lighting the wild dark night.


© by Signe Eklund Schaefer.
Used with the author's permission.