crags to riches

cragged personalities

may soften raw edges

if met with suspended judgment

and allowed opportunity and time

to reveal tender core

you don’t say

 speaking of saying aloud

what we feel inside

brings tears to the grieving

the angry, the hopeless

and betrayed—agitation

that tears within us until

given opportunity to erupt

or—grant heaven!—to speak

two-and-a-half hour party

 prime time family celebration

two generations only; the next is busy

with their own lives

but we find solace in each other

venting, informing, telling tales on each other

and on ourselves

admitting our vulnerability in laughter

but knowing we are heard