Bid
Childhood memories of men and women
Loud like my ancestors who talk to my soul
Deep like the pain that lingers in the silence
Laughter leaves behind.
After full meals of shameful indulgence
Reward for weeks of starving employment,
With friends and family, these are sounds that warm me.
The sound of feet, chairs and tables dragging across the floor
Isolating the square where the laughter is amplified a spiritfold.
The shtttttthp, tap, tap of the shuffling cards of this ancient game.
The clink clink of ice in glasses
Ceremonially freed from their isolation on the top shelf.
The magical appearance of the amber bottle of regal appearance.
Silence as each glass is poured, a quiet prayer of thanks to the Gods of survival.
Then, when first glass touches the lips and the first card hits the table,
I know I can walk away, because the laughter begins
And I can hear it throughout the house.
Throughout my life.
