Analysis of Edge of the Porch

Because it was what we thought

was meant by family: Laughter.

A new house. A party in the garden

where the tables were filled with young faces.

Who did not want this true

and tender accomplishment? This just

reward handed over to the world’s honest men,

its citizens. Every house

rested on its joys. So when one of the guests

nudged a glass when she was telling a joke

which fell on the floor and broke,

we laughed. We were accountable

merely for our own mistakes and

committed solely. And everything was

part of the good story, really.

How could we not love what it cost?

Crack on the marble floor just set,

dent on a polished

kitchen door. A small window

overlooks the children, one nimble,

one frail, balancing on the far

edge of the porch.