Meeting Of Friends Poem by John A'Hern

A pit is dug, not any old pit but a fire pit.
The fire materials are prepared, surgeons working at their skills.
The pit is the meeting place for 12 friends,
Male and female no distinction, everyone treated as equals.
Once a month these friends gather around the fire pit
Talking about day to day events or meaningless words, Maybe.
No jokes but laughter shared.
An event is shared to a silent audience, all awaiting the result.
Discussion ensues with no conductor
Everyone obeying the silence chapter.
Food and drink is shared and enjoyed,
compliments are given freely and acknowledged.
Eldest in the group, oh so quiet, begins a talk on a life gone by.
Silence so quiet, breathing can be heard.
Questions are asked, answers not returned, all lost in another World.
A sob, all turn to look, memories have found their target and understood,
Hands reach out linking the circle, story and questions continue.
More sobs occur as story stirs memories,
Life floats by, its glories unfold,
Wipe away cobwebs of life as known, new memories joining the queue.
Just for this evening, think back to Mother and Father
Did you know them? or wish for a time after?
Story finishes, no comments made, all stand as if a message was made,
Meet again in one month hence, good night to all especially friends.