Empty Celebration

Blog116:

Inside the big house many hands were busy every which way
Flatware and silverware got polished
Glasses – tall and short, whisked to sparkle
Table cloth starched, pressed, spread out
Table napkins creatively folded
A bouquet of freshly-cut flowers was arranged
It made its way as centerpiece to the celebratory table!
What about was the fuss?

Outdoor, in the front yard …
Chairs dusted … grouped
Busybodies lined them up for conversation grouping
Festive lights were entwined and secured on tree limbs
The phonograph was turned on and began blaring lively songs
In fancy suits and long dresses, tall … unfamiliar guests arrived
Music continued to flow … chatter and laughter built up!
What about was the excitement?

Upstairs, my brothers, sisters and I were bathed and dressed
Nana secured our shoelaces
She fancied-up my sisters’ and my pigtails with ribbons
My brothers’ ties were tied, and re-tied
Grandma dabbed a lovely scent behind our ears
Behavior instructions completed, we were marched down the stairs
I especially felt adorable in my green, and red printed dress
Still- I did not know why there were many tall, unfamiliar faces
They had now gathered at the cheerful table in the dining room
What have we dressed up for?

We quietly took our steps down the long stairs
My Mother waited down below
Before the last step down, she took my hand from Grandma
With beaming smiles, she announced …
“I present Leira  … most special girl of the moment!”
Before I understood it all, the traditional birthday song played
Guests joined the melodious singing …
Kisses and hugs from strangers overwhelmed and smothered me!
What about was the celebration?

I was not told.
It was my birthday?
I didn’t see a birthday cake!
It was my birthday?
My sisters and brothers stood around and kissed me.
It was my birthday?
Where were the little people my age?
It was my birthday?
I didn’t have presents!
It was my birthday?