Paradise

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

What a moment,

the humble splendor,

the staggering simplicity,

the tumultuous hum, 

the gentle downpour of sound.

And the sound!

Warm stories, 

laughs and hugs,

children milling from lap to lap

and smiling.

Little fingers, 

pulling beards, 

and stealing reading glasses.

The delight in the eyes 

of aged faces 

and gray frames.

Tales and legends, 

giggles and shadows, 

memories somersaulting in the lamp light.

A collection of shoes 

piled lazily together,

every seat claimed, 

but always another spot to fill.

A carpet full of tinker toys and crossed legs,

blocks scattered on the tables,

and the sweet crowing of laughter 

from an old family friend

who we adopted ages ago 

and gave a nickname. 

Cake plates, 

stacked up after dessert,

and the comfortable glow in every belly 

after dinner.

Paradise.