Nathanael O'Reilly #8 Independence Day

Independence Day

Lawns are mown and edged
flowerbeds weeded, shrubs

and rose bushes trimmed
outdoor furniture cleaned

indoor and outdoor fridges
stocked with food and drinks

hot tub cleaned and prepped
BBQ scrubbed, gas refilled

cards and board games
laid out for the kids

floors swept, Mellencamp playing
vegie tray, pitas and hummus

waiting on the kitchen counter
the doorbell rings, friends arrive

hugs exchanged, drinks opened
seats taken and the party begins

siblings play cards in the kitchen
a child plays chess with an adult

family news exchanged
in the living room as snacks

are devoured, drinks consumed
the music changes to Prince

the kids left to their own
devices as adults and teens

move to the back verandah
for a few sanitized rounds

of Cards Against Humanity
before the time comes to fire

up the BBQ, for the men
to cook chicken and sausages

watching thoughtfully, left
hands resting on hips, right

hands wrapped around beers
the man of the house responsible

for grilling meat to perfection
fulfilling his culturally-assigned role

the ready meat is transferred
to platters, set down beside salads

buns, plates and cutlery, ready
for everyone to help themselves

homemade apple pie, ice cream
and parfaits served for dessert

kids set up in the movie room
with Independence Day

the adults hit the hot tub
trade tales of past exploits

until darkness falls, the movie
ends and the entire mob moves

out to the street for the grand finale
lighting sparklers, setting off fireworks