eight adults were at the party
all were sharing air and stories
three were couples two were singles
married folks heard few surprises
tales were old though some were funny

one would listen as their partner
heard a second use a keyword
and would know the family legend
for the thousandth time told retold
the same pauses the same laughter

the same pride that in our family
there was such an odd character

– Steve Shoemaker, Urbana, IL, December 7, 2013