The Guest

I was a guest of the family
An outsider, inside
And for a few hours
I was forced to abide

I listened to minor grievances
About events of the day
Voiced in major tones
So little good to say

There were quarrels about dinner
And what we would eat
Or, where will I sit
Now that she has my seat

Would you pass the potatoes
Gimme those beans
It was just like the movies
One of those Keystone scenes

This made my fill
An arduous ordeal
With mumbling parties
On both sides of the meal

Then they clamored
Now for desert
But before we revert
Let us ask the guest how he feels

They seemed contemptuous
In their desire I should speak
As though the guest was guilty
With nothing to say, he must be weak

They moaned about my slow response
Little, of which to complain
Then I rose like a thunder-head
And lauded them with shame

You speak with eloquent tongue
Of things, which you can grumble
You place a mighty stone
For peaceful men to stumble

I suggest breaking your legs
Making your complaints so rich
For this would certainly fuel the fire
That burns in you to bitch

They looked at me with expanding eyes
You have the nerve
Coming to rest in our gracious home
Eating the food we serve

Then, you protest the atmosphere
And voice your disdain
You wonder why we are not happy here
It is because people like you complain

I started to laugh
Then thought is unwise
Hostility was brewing
This could mean demise

Carefully easing my chair from the table
Making my way for flight
Stepping into the car I heard
I did the dishes last night

Jack Richards
 whatifisit@yahoo.com
 copyright 2005