OUT ON VERANDAS

The veranda of my childhood
A country veranda unusual for a farmhouse
Cool in the shade of a hot, hot summer,
Warmed by the low-hanging sunshine of winter
Languorous memories of afternoon rest times,
Miniature tea sets serving to dolls
Visits by turkeys who strayed from the barnyard
Exquisitely infinite games of pretend
You be the father, I’ll be the mother
Let’s say the house is a princess’s castle
With hollow thick walls hiding secret rooms.

The veranda of my fifties
A city veranda uncommon in Edmonton
Welcoming whimsically festooned with flowers
Tables adorned with the bounty of summer
Cold sweating glasses and vegetable stir-fries
Barbecue magic and Saskatoon pies
Deep lounging chairs for a respite with reading
Wide sweeping steps for a neighbour to sit on
While sharing the news of the locals.

Now to the ones who envisioned verandas
And built them in spite of prevailing tradition
My grateful applause for a job well done
For the gift of so many mornings and evenings
Memories made in my childhood and fifties
Out on verandas.