Thanksgiving, St. Nicholas Day, Christmas, New Year’s Eve… all of these times bring our families together don’t they?
Tender Conspiracy by Michael Romani Joined together in tender conspiracy These are the truths found in family Little secrets and jokes that are told As the curse of our cards as life unfolds A little sugar coats the loving pursuit Of little treasures that each of us loots There is good in the bad of stories we hide All in the name of love and family pride Like the time the sunset slipped Despite our best efforts at being tight lipped All those things we knew weren't quite right As we all grew older and still we made light Like firecrackers that went off to way too quick Or the lotto tickets that Grandma picked Jokes told at each other's loving expense Failing to smell the alcohol at great pretense Like the recipe ingredients we kept hidden Except for everyone including the family children The chasing of ducks into the pond we went end after end And that no one knew who ate the cookies, so we pretend Who are we to stand in this or that way Or to reveal whose eyes didn't shut as we bowed to pray No one is going to tell about the time we snuck to play Or who broke what pretending there were dragons to slay Yes, indeed on the other side of heartache Are the things that made for our double take As our bellies rumble with thoughts and laughter Keeping at the keeping that always brings cheer These are the things thought of this time of year The sweet memories and ghosts of smiles so sincere Happily looking back on and in all the good ole ways I'll hold onto them dearly until the end of my days (c) November 20, 2018 Michael Romani All Rights Reserved




