Looking at a classic table.

Charlie made that curio table
Round top, pedestal legs.
Father in law.
Came to us after
His demise.

Furniture making had been
Family business.
Card tables, chairs, high chairs.
European post-war craftsmen.
Hourd and Company Ltd.
Old as Confederation, 1867.
Out London East.
Quebec Street.
At some point
Manufacture ceased.

Became a warehouse
With several tenants.
Saturdays for Charlie meant
Clean up, renovation
Broken windows
Bandage jobs on plumbing.
Cam often helped.
Usually given the Joe jobs.
Dad simply building his character.
Scrub those toilets Son.
The headaches worked to increase
His, Charlie’s, general knowledge
As handyman.
Charles R. Hourd, Insurance underwriter.
Helping many a widow.

That table had a well stained top.
Glass covering.
Carefully rendered trough
Our house moves.
I remember its place of honour
In their back room.
Extensive Library on book shelves
Huge Family Bible, favourite authors.
Mysteries, romances, Hornblower at sea.
Big fireplace crackling.
Beautiful horse at the plow painting.
Betty’s cut flowers often
Along back window.
Parties frequently.

Big one on Christmas Eve.
Singing, piano, food, drink, laughter.
Into the late hours
After midnight Church.
Oh Holy Night.
Hilary and I did dishes
Until sunrise.

Betty’s side window for
Copious readings, crosswords
Watching sparrows at
The feeder in the driveway.
Keeping current with
Anglican readings for the Women’s Group.

I’m looking at that
Table right now.
Nice table. Nice people.
Yes, many nice memories.
Every one good.
Their neighbours also
Bringing merriment.