HAVING COMPANY
Spread out on the table a cloth of white,
All the mess and clutter tucked out of sight,
The best china and the crystal laid with care,
Even the loose cushions washed or put to air.

Having company was not always much fun,
For there were always more chores to be done,
If it was the Vicar we’d even bathe the dog,
My brother forced to get rid of his pet frog.

Had to be on our best behaviour, sit up tall
And woe betide anyone if their food did fall
On the snow white table cloth or clean floor,
To remove the stains would be our awful chore.

We’d have to chat, be polite, say the right thing,
Listen to mum’s best friend after dinner sing,
It was the same old tune and always rather flat,
And even while eating she always wore a big hat.

We used to hate company coming, especially for a meal,
It seemed to take forever for the family to really feel
Normal and together after those very too formal ways,
I feel visitors should not cause so many unhappy days.

So when our kids were young company was fun,
Although there were extra chores that had to be done,
They did not have to worry about making a mess
And because of the extra treats there was no duress.

M Ann Margetson March 21, 2002