Paradise
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.