Reunified

the cat leaps out the bag

as I am delivered like a parcel

to my secret family birthday lunch,

the car park gives the game away

the Volvo, the Jaguar, the Duster

and the rice-burner, whose name 

I can never pronounce correctly

I spot them huddled in the bar

all gathered before me

waiting in anticipation

as if for my hearse,

rarely do all one’s fiends meet, and

acquaintances are vigorously renewed,

this time is precious, so 

must not be squandered,

I lamely joke that we’re a board meeting

as seats are taken and food arrives,

then the stories begin and I listen

overhearing everybody’s chatter,

of ageing parents about to die

past holidays recollected and relished

marriages both past or anticipated

each cabal a buzzing hive of news

and I am swiftly, gladly replaced

as the centre of attention,

then I carefully scan the room

and dust-off my own stories

remembering past escapades

meetings milestones tragedies

of all this gathered throng

now immersed in infinite recall

leaving me feeling like an

contented ethereal presence

at my own memorial

*

© Graham R Sherwood 16/10/21