Afternoon at Cousin Shirley’s

Afternoon at Cousin Shirley’s

sights of Bathurst Ave flew by
in the back seat of an unfamiliar car
Mac’s Milk and signs of Export A
told me I was safe in Toronto

silence continued in the back seat
once a year was all there was
cousin Shirley’s family meet and greet
a pinch a kiss and “Hello Cousin”
a strange but overwhelming welcoming

dining room table
centerpiece of the house
now decorated with
rugelach, blueberry buns and honey cake
a bowl of green grapes and Italian plums
“What a joy…what a treat” she said
melting my interloper heart

white living room seating with plastic covers
books of photos of family and friends
people interested in my plans
another new experience for me
“How long are you staying?”

never long enough for me

Zack Hoffman 2024