Seven came

 

Seven came 

Seven came on coach and train 

plus sometimes sprints

defying all our decades, dragging cases 

nattering 

Captain Jenny in the van, holding the train 

Non!  non! bold refrain 

late and laughing to Toulouse 

Three long days and lovely together, no programme

going with the flow 

the morning valley, mists

and mosquitos, autumn sun and sharing

memories and tears, fears, laughter 

fifty years after 

on ladders teetering, for olives 

and tamarisk pruning, Penny 

Sunday lunch and soups, multiple 

Fifty years after 

Jessie, role play and foolish exercises 

we’ve learned, we nine 

the perfect number, fitting format for our lifetime 

and understood with passing time and frailties 

what’s priceless

precious beyond rubies, such love and friendship 

best vintage, beautiful champagne 

October 12th 2022, Hounoux, for the seven.