THE GATHERING
When I was small there was a big family gathering,
Families came from far and wide for this great thing,
I cannot remember the reason we were all together,
Nor can I think what time of the year or the weather.
Uncle Ralph and Aunty Flo, June, Uncle Harold, Aunty Millie
Came in their best, Herbert, Graham and even old uncle Billy,
All wore a white shirt and a tie, a nice clean waistcoat as well
But none of these men had a jacket quite poor, you could tell.
The ladies wore pretty dresses the best they had yet out of style,
All were happy to come together all wore a big happy smile,
These relatives all lived close by just two bus rides away
And for the whole special day they all planned to stay.
Then uncle Harry, aunty Gladys came, single aunty Nancy too,
Uncle Fred with aunt Mabel both so fashionable right through,
My dad had a new suit, mom and I had lovely dresses so grand,
A mixture of family so different yet such a big happy band.
As we all talked together a wonderful thing that day I saw
The men with their tuxes and jackets that so proudly wore,
Took them off so that the others would all fit so well in,
Great love for them all for me great admiration did win.
No one was different, all the men just all were the same,
Miners, managers and a professor of some notable fame.
Just part of the extended family having great family fun.
And all us ladies full of smiles from the moment it begun.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 14 December 2005