“Up Late”
She balks at going
But needs her friends
And relents
To the invitation…
Our part of the evening
Two appetizers
Themed to Beef Wellington
I opt for Costco trays…
She rolls her eyes
And relents again
To my humor
At the “Gourmet Club” airs…
Our shrimp tray and quiche
Are welcomed in
With hugs and pleasure
At her arrival…
She brightens to the chatter
Talking to each in turn
Right through dinner
Well past her bedtime…
Then bundling up
For outside relaxing
The blazing fire light
Dances across her face…
Under the starry sky
Her smile captures my heart
As she forgets limits
Inside the banter…
Tiring at last
We depart amidst “Happy Holidays”
And her self-evaluation
“I did well tonight”…
Up late and uplifted.
Paul Colaluca
(12/10/05)