It wasn't Norman Rockwell. We weren't perfectly harmonious,
But, likewise, we fell short of Bosch. Our dim niece got her
Birthday party, splendid food, and ice cream cake, a modest
Offering of gifts. A brace of toddlers loomed. They fought
For toys, and played around a sprinkler. One son yammered.
That's his nature. One annoyed the birthday girl. Daughters
In-law came. One slept. One offered haircuts as I held her
Infant, who remained asleep. The wife, as she is wont to do,
Grew fussy. Something's always wrong. Our daughter shrugged.
She's seen the movie. Her intrepid husband mixed mojitos.
No more need be said. The afternoon seemed almost
Painless, falling short of Bosch.