I think it was chocolate mahogany

 

                 large rounded carved ornate legs

 

                 coming down under the broad leaf table.

 

Grandma made the green gingham tablecloth spread across

 

over a protective plastic lining beneath.

 

 

Seven places for the family in the evening meal,

 

               three generations of grandparents, parent, children,

 

              head of the table Granddaddy sat quiet, not saying much.

 

At the other head, was Grandma; she would talk about the day.

 

Who did what when, and “lord, it is hot today.”

 

 

Mother sat in the middle of my little sister and me.

 

               She often didn’t say much, when she did, it was measured.

 

               My older sister sat across from me with her light brown hair,

 

blue eyes that never smiled.

 

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