POETRY — HUMANS WHO HAVE INSPIRED ME

When Our Ancestors Speak

If we are wise, we listen

My family over there wants this grand affair for my family over here.

They have been ringing off my phone — don’t they hear the dial tone?

I have been deaf to all their pleas — their subtle threats and entreaties.

So they have upped the ante — coming in my dreams to bother me.

Setting tables, spreading food — telling me ‘twould be so good.

I know the instigator — a cousin who just crossed over.

She was into family — she even built a family tree.

I have said to them before — remember the folklore.

The thing that makes the mare to go — is missing over here, you know.

No worries, they are chiming — just hush and start the planning

We have this thing on lock — we will put it in a sock.

I. Trudie Palmer One Love

Author’s note:- My family inspires me, those over here and those over there.