One talks like he knows
things that you know he doesn’t
but he’s family . . .

Another has said
things that still hurt you today
family does that

One aunt drinks too much
no one dares to confront her
its just not worth it

Crazy uncle Pete
never knows when to shut up
we listen and nod

Grandpa speaks his mind
despite grandma shushing him
they’ve always done this

That cousin in Maine
is all nuts and granola
but salt of the earth

The sister in-law
shares no genetics or blood
but is sweet as wine

Then one of them dies
and we gather to mourn them
remember their best

Jim has four memoirs, At the Lake, Cretin Boy, Dirty Shirt and the Portland House. He also has five poetry collections, Thoughts from a Line at the DMV, Genetically Speaking, On a Road, Written Life and Reciting from Memory. Jim is a past Poet Laureate for the Village of Wales, WI.