Many years have passed
Since my grandfathers passed
And since then every year
My family gathers here
For some its far away
To visit takes the day
For us it is quite near
We’re quite familiar here
We arrive at different times
Our sleep schedule will decide
And as we trickle in
Our lateness is met with grins
Inside its bright white walls
Lies an icon covered hall
These paintings of great saints
Have been recently installed
On entry coins for candles
We kiss icons on the mantles
The foyer full of people
Your movements must be nimble
We light our candles’ fire
To send our small prayers higher
After this some stay inside
But it’s not what I decide
Outside in the courtyard
Are people who need space
Or missed a seat inside
Because they came too late
I stand and talk to family
I bump into some friends
Even simple conversations
At church seems to ascend
The speakers much more patient
The teasing is more gentle
The gossip feels more loving
The connections sentimental
From the hall we hear
Two familiar names
The memorial we waited for
Has come and gone again
Then the service closes
The seated join us in the sun
We share prosforo and koliva
The morning is near done
Some then stay for coffee
Others leave for Sunday leisure
My family takes a moment
To reminisce together
ehhere 
Leave a comment