THREE BROTHERS

Recipe for a Family Holiday
J.B. Rowell

                     Families converge
on a house with no guest rooms.
Sleeping arrangements:
twin bed, trundle, travel crib
blow-up mattress in dining room,
two sleeping bags, and one night
even the couch.

                     Oh, the family
togetherness, in the name of
Christmas/Hanukkah/Winter Solstice
and two-year-old birthday party.
Emptying bottles of wine,
cases of beer, raucous laughter:
heads back, mouths wide flashing
teeth, passing razor sharp sarcasm,
loving barbs as three brothers
cook the feast, banter, oldest
an entrepreneur/philosopher
decision maker, man of action;
the youngest idealist/builder
uncle for play; and the middle
a scientist/thinker “golden child”
go between, host of the stay.

                     Cousins fall
in love, plan nuptials, play
like they have never been apart,
breathlessly chase and race.
Most sentences begin with “pretend.”
Youngest design the arc of days,
outings planned around naps,
feedings, snacks, the next nap,
moods, and the surge of waking.