When friends eat together it’s a special thing.

There is so much joy one evening can bring.

 

Betty Bear looks over her gardens missing her friends.

Running her own business, the work never ends.

 

But life has slowed down just enough,

To realize that life without seeing friends is tough.

 

So, Betty has the thought to bring everyone together

And it must be soon before the cold winter weather.

 

But hosting a party for friends can be a big undertaking.

Between the cooking, cleaning and doing all the baking.

 

And with life so busy, will a party bring stress?

I want to be kind to myself and not cause any unrest.

 

And with all kinds of allergies and different tastes in food

Would making my favorite dishes change who I can include?

 

I have to think this out, I have to get this right!

There must be a way to have the perfect night…

 

Host a potluck! That’s what we will do!

I can have each guest bring a dish or two!

 

They can try something new, or just eat what they bring.

This is the way! What a great thing!

 

And I won't have to worry about too much stuff!

As long as the table is set and my teeth are brushed.

 

That will make it easy! That will make it fun!

And there will be more than enough food for everyone.

 

The next thing to do is to pick a date.

And of course, there are the invitations to make!

 

And so the night arrived and everyone could attend

Even Thomas the Chicken, a favorite pen pal friend.

 

So, with the candles lit and the cheese board laid

And just as Betty stirred the last of the party lemonade…

 

There was a knock, knock, knock that echoed across the floor.

and with a last look around Betty opened the door.

 

She welcomed her friends with hugs and “How are yous?”

Catching up on the latest of the greatest and happy news.

 

Thomas Chicken brought his shakers and cornbread so yellow

And Frankie Fox brought her roasted carrots along with her cello

 

Michael Moose had his tambourine and his September Stew

Made with the fresh veggies that he and Patty Pig grew.

 

Patty Pig brought her banjo and spinach greens,

With her famous dill dressing and magic sweet beans.

 

Rosie Racoon brought her flute and strawberries in cream.

Betty brought out her favorite a decadent chocolate supreme!

 

They filled up glasses and made their way to the table

Betty had set up in the garden and wired lights up with cable.

 

And they all made their way to their seats and raised glasses for a toast.

What a beautiful setting, Betty You are such a great host!

 

Then with a cluck, a flap, and a squeak

Thomas Chicken piped up and began to speak…

 

“Everything tastes better if it has brought you together.” He said with a sigh.

And Michael saw this brought a tear to Betty’s eye.

 

There was a quiet moment then tumultuous cheers, caws, squeaks, and squeals.

And that was that they dug into the meals!

 

They chatted and talked between each chew

About the happy, sad, and all the things that were new.

 

After their plates were cleared and dinner was through

They still had plenty of chatting left to do!

 

So to get their full bellies to start digesting

Thomas offered a song to the gardens as a suggestion.

 

Grabbing their instruments they set out arm in arm,

Ready to play for the grass, trees, and everything growing on the little farm.

 

With the dewy grass between hoofed, webbed, and fury toes

They danced through the garden and out into the meadows.

 

With every star twinkling above their heads

They danced all the way home and safely to their beds.

 

So here is the big secret, the whole thing, the big deal.

It is better to be together even if it is the simplest of meals.

 

The End.