what to do?

the long lazy sizzling days of summer
melt our feet as we walk across the lot to the store for groceries

the pool is a lifesaver
the fresh breezy early mornings beckon to throw the covers off
early and run to the wet green grass to water the flowers
take photographs
look for bugs, butterflies and birds

school time encroaches
the last chance, maybe, with family before the year's hard work
begins
day after day
of drudgery for them
visits are expected

arrangements need to be made

the coming together of separate families
we used to live under the same roof
now, we have divergent lives
contrary goals
different experiences of life
varied characteristics become more stable as we age

the young and the old
the children, parents and grandchildren

what a mixture of people trying
attempting
reaching out
wanting
closeness and distance
me; not me
who's in charge?

how will decisions be made?

family is a six letter word for people we perhaps would not
normally
spend time in their company?

True and awful to say?

common beliefs:  family sustains us in good times and bad.
family is our roots, its our past and our future.
we share a genetic bond with people miles away
and light years distant

but, are they true and real?

we plan a picnic
one has to have slaw
another thinks slaw is not a picnic food
another is afraid of spoilage
and on it goes and
goes
and goes.

Vying
for power and control
or just going along as a spectator
many roles clashing
teeth nashing
wanting, wanting
and can food or nourishment really
be provided within the bounds
of this six letter word?