Two best friends watch the rock salt
Melt the ice as the electric crank turns.
The dessert begins to freeze,
The motor burns until
It makes the water drip.
We can’t wait to dip a scoop
Of strawberry, cherry, or peach.
We talk Aunt Emily into
Giving us three scoops each.
Two best friends watch the rock salt.
We discuss many things:
The important stuff you do
When you live the life of a teen.
We can’t wait to try a scoop
Before we toss the Frisbee awhile.
We try to talk Aunt Emily out of
Taking our pictures, but we smile.
Two faces watch the rock salt
Melt the ice; keep their kids in tow.
We tell them how it makes ice melt
And makes dessert just so.
We can wait to dip a scoop--
Time marches more forcefully here.
Aunt Emily rests behind the trees.
We pour the rock salt. We melt the ice.
We observe tradition in tears.
Copyright, 2002 by ana mae vara
I'm posting this because I need to commemorate my family. TIME marches on regardless of what we choose. The circle of life gives no choice whether we live and die. Our choice is how we live. I've been so blessed to have a loving pair of parents, loving grandparents, loving spouse and wonderful children. Many friends. I have no reason to gripe about not getting my share of blessing. Whether you have what you want or not, take this month to reflect on what you DO have that is good. What you have that is beautiful. What you cherish. Be thankful for it. You never know when it will be taken from you.