Relatives Poem

By Sue Ellson

 

Eat and argue
Or question and savour
What’s it like for you
When you and your relatives get together?

 

Seek to understand
Not to be understood
Be ready to listen
And discover what’s under the hood

 

There may be a different view
Or an alternative perspective on life
Just because it isn’t the same as your’s
It doesn’t mean it isn’t right

 

Ask questions
Listen to the answers
Surprise yourself
Make presence your master

 

Behind that vocal veil
Is a soul that has been hurt
By memories past
And triggers that blurt

 

Avoid reacting
Respond kindly
It won’t be long
And you’ll all be smiling

 

Relatives are joined
By biology and humanity
But love in action
Can create a new reality

 

A business friend and I met for the first time this year on Friday and he mentioned that he had returned home for Christmas and that he had spent most of his time eating and arguing. I couldn’t resist this opportunity to write a poem and suggest a different way to be around relatives, particularly on special occasions or over the holidays. With love, Sue Ellson 🙂

Photo is of a dining table in a display home near Geelong, Victoria on 27 November 2016

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