Black kerchiefs hide
foreheads, ladies graceful
at picnic tables
husbands
sharing baskets
of foodstuff
children impatient
for the ritual to end.
Mennonites, natural
in caring one
for another, sisters and
brothers --
Peter’s proud of little
Anna, hoists
her shoulder-height
smile of pride
from his young eyes
a family plan, God’s
perfection.
© Richard L. Provencher