What a whimsical, entertaining and lively poem, Q, just like the goddaughter “killing {you} with kindness.”!!
Enjoy this seventh submission to the WriteAngles Journal!
Croquet In Heels
by Q Keough-Huff
It’s just a game passed down through generations
The summer party every year. Now the championship title in your name
The Ragna Alvhilde Syverstad Thidemann Hjelm Croquet tournament
Posted a pic of her to announce the summer gathering. She played in heels.
A friendly game with competitive spirit emerging, something we all have in common
With our own styles of play
Ragna, with her 1 handed polo shot, in skirt and heels, set the pace
Seems like yesterday we were in the backyard. Everyone still alive.
Each year a prize, a Wonder Woman glass for the winner,
With bragging rights until next year. The tradition continues for more than 60 years.
Now at my home for many years.
The last three years my goddaughter has claimed the championship.
She looks at me, her godmother, with the same twinkle in her eyes as Ragna
And says, “Sorry I have to do this”, knocking me out of the game.
Killing me with kindness.
The game continues.
Laughter and trash talk each year, with a dog who chases and moves the balls
Added to the challenge. Next generation will take over soon.
Already stated a tradition will continue in her name.
My goddaughter plays in heels.
Karen Keough-Huff, also known as ‘Q’, is a member of Straw Dog Writers Guild and the Writing Sisters, a group of BIPOC and LBGTQ+ women writers in western Massachusetts. Most recent book is Purple Hands Poetry, self-published by Lulu.com