House rules...house rules...& mayhem

 there were House rules
{before, during & after church}
none of them unreasonable & never once tested
we showered, brushed our teeth & sat down to eat
before donning the appropriate garment
heaven forbid we wrinkle or get it dirty
hair must be brushed until it shone
barrettes for the girls...boys hair must be smooth
only then were we deemed presentable
one by one we'd get in the car
none of our weekday shenanigans
we could joke & be silly
just be mindful of what we were wearing
upon arrival there were further expectations
toddlers could play on the floor between grandma's feet
or occupy grandpa's coveted lap
anyone older than that...must have their butt planted...firmly...I'm talking glue
no nonsense...in that sacred pew
we didn't have to listen to the sermon
but respect must be given
silence only...so we all had notebooks & pens
scribbling notes back & forth
smothering giggles in our hands
when the service was over we'd file out in pairs
barely in check...anxious for church-day part two
required to strip out of our best & don everyday clothes

shifting into house rules...
which is when the chaos ensued
running off the effects of our recent captivity
stretching every muscle in our growing bodies
until the lunch call...and everything stopped
food at grandma's was the best
rarely did any get wasted
{aside from one tiny cousin & my stubborn daddy...
...who both refused their peas}
after-lunch time was spent reading...naps for the weary
the idea being...they were to be quiet pursuits
everyone took part in preparing dinner
with grandma directing traffic
until each child & elder sat at the table
head bowed
as grandpa offered the blessing
I still can't believe they managed to keep us all in line
it seemed like a three ring circus half the time
but they never raised their voices
all was said in gentle tones

and once the sun went down...
...all rules ended
popcorn was popped
old-home style...over the stove
ice cream sundaes...with all the toppings
and games came out of the cupboard
the full rowdy brood descended on the dining room table...
...now the game room
children & adults holding equal status...
...competition
I think of those nights now with such longing
so many of us are gone
but the memories live on
I wonder if my Roots ever knew...the legacy they left behind...