Family Ties

There is out there a family that I’ve known for many years

A family that’s been blessed by God despite so many tears

This patriarch and matriarch, they raised their children well

And that’s why I’m so proud to share this ditty that I tell

I’ve never seen them angry, that’s an image I can’t see

I’m sure that neither’s perfect, they’re just perfect folks to me

They can’t have all the credit because that wouldn’t be fair

The orchard where they sprouted, Carl and Betty planted there

We met in church so long ago, the Earth had barely cooled

But I was far from righteous so I had nobody fooled

My bestest friend was Alton before Kathy joined my space

I’m really glad she did, she had a much more pretty face

There’s also Debbie, Ken and Carl, (and Pat and Susan, yes)

Expansive as this family is, this poem I must compress

One big extended family, almost as big as mine

Eventually the Kelly’s were the “diamond” I would find

These people, despite distance, I consider lifelong friends

My fondness for their family I am certain never ends

So here’s to Kevin Kelly and the lovely Bonnie too

If “marriage” was a lesson, then we all should study you