HAVING GUESTS COME
Everywhere was neat and tidy, really spic and span,
The house couldn’t have been nicer, that was her plan,
The food was almost ready, the table set with care,
Hoping that all the company would soon be there.

She checked the calender to see if she had the right day,
Had they forgotten, should she phone, are they on their way?
She sat by the window watching the few cars that went by.
They are nor going to come, she thought with a sad sigh.

The sprouts will be soggy, the cauliflower quite soft too,
The potatoes would mash, the meat well done right through,
At least the soup will be fine, if they come to her at all,
Yorkshire puddings were risen, she hoped they wouldn’t fall.

Sadness came upon her, she had worked so hard all the day,
It was ages since she had guests, she hoped they would stay
And chat for awhile after sharing together the fine meal,
Now soon everything would spoil, so down she did feel.

The phone rang, oh yes, they were coming, sorry for the delay
But the traffic was all backed up, now they were on their way,
Ten minutes they should be there, all as hungry as could be,
Oh, and could she possibly manage to feed another three.

Her heart rejoiced as she shuffled the new tabling setting,
Now around the table there would be much less stretching.
Add more good broth to the soup, zap some extra corn,
Lower everything to just a simmer to keep it all warm.

Here they come, laughing and joking, tumbling through the door,
Coats, hats, gloves and shoes were scattered all over the floor,
But no one seemed to mind as they saw the feast right there.
They chatted late, they stayed all night, her joy was beyond compare.

Those visitors thought they were the lucky ones for sure,
But it was the lonely host who gained treasures far more
Than they would ever know by just being there,
They were the answer to a lonely person’s prayer.

(Millicent) Ann Margetson 26 February 2004 2004/3641/company