Joan

~

I see Joan most 

Thursdays,

Anna’s mother

ninety-five years old

knocking on the door

of ninety-six if she 

stays well,

~

she’s never been a 

typical mother-in-law, 

with all the connotations

that title carries

just a very good friend 

right from our first date 

when, unexpectedly

I was taken back home 

some fifty-six years ago,

~

she might not suffer fools

but wouldn’t be cruel when 

pointing out their idiocy either

I don’t believe I’ve ever

met anyone as evenly

tempered, although 

Anna might not totally 

agree but that’s mums 

and daughters for you,

~

Joan has the sort 

of face where every part of it

laughs at the same time,

it still does although these days

she covers it with both hands

as if embarrassed to show it

the dynasty will miss her 

when she finally goes, it

currently numbers around forty

I always tell her every

December on her birthday 

that it’s all down to her,

it’s worrying to think that

after she’s gone Anna and I will  

be the oldest in the clan

we’re already half way there

with our offspring and their own 

to form our own dynasty

just the cycle of life I suppose

*

© GRS 5/24