Thanksgiving At GrandMaw’s

Thanksgiving At GrandMaw’s – Lacy Pauley: Lyrics — Frank Poland: Lyric Assist & Music – This song qualifies for ‘Penned By Frank’ simply because Lacy said he was being frank about these lyrics. Good Show! What a lovely family and many only dream of having a family get together like the Pauley family!
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Thanksgiving at Grandmaw’s
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In a house of three bedrooms, the magic unfolds,
Where love’s warm embrace wraps young and old.
Thirty-five children, in-laws, and kin,
Gathered together, let the festivities begin.
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As twilight deepened, the evening drew near,
They started arriving, all filled with good cheer.
Grandmaw arose all night as families rolled in
To welcome her children and all of their kin.
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Each nook and corner, a bed made new
In the depths of the couch, and a chair or two
Pallets on floors like clouds of delight
Even In the hayloft, they snuggled tight.
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With soft careful steps each heart found a space,
Waking to hugs, sharing warmth and grace.
Yet sleep was elusive, like dreams that take flight,
As relatives continue to arrive through the night.
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At four in the morning, the dawn tiptoed in,
While Grandmaw rose softly, her day to begin.
With turkey in oven, aromas soon swirled,
A feast for the ages, for all the Pauley world.
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Grandpaw, he stirred, with coffee in hand,
Feeding the grandchildren marshmallow strands.
With laughter and stories, old tales he revive,
His spirit alive, where the memories thrive.
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As dawn’s golden light spills onto each and all
Families stumble, one after one down the hall
Between seven ‘til nine, the house came alive,
Searching for the bathroom where only one survives.
Some waited in lines, with patience well worn,
Others ventured to the outhouse versus waiting all morn
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Hugs warm but gentle, a family’s embrace,
The kitchen filled up, each locating a place.
Coffee and chatter, concern in the air,
About the bathroom, while waiting their share.
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The women united, with breakfast to fry,
While men admired children, their laughter a sigh.
“Now listen,” said Grandmaw, with a gleam in her eye,
“There’s work to be done — don’t let it pass by.”
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Some grabbed their tools, eager and spry,
While Grandmaw just chuckled, “Not now, oh my!”
With sweetness and sorrow, they cleaned and prepared,
For lunch to be served, a meal all to share.
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Oh, turkey so tender, with herbs used just right,
Fried sweet potatoes, a glorious sight.
Green beans and stuffing, so much to enjoy,
A feast fit for one and all, each girl and boy.
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As dozens of plates filled the well used table,
Banana pudding and pies with a who made it label
Chocolate cake towered, with whipped cream piled high,
Pumpkin and apple pies one could not pass by.
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As shadows grew long, the stories flowed free
Old childhood memories about each including me
Around the table, the moments unfold
In laughter and love, family’s warmth, pure gold.

In realms of good stories, the laughter took flight,
Recalling old moments that painted the night.
As shadows grew longer, the night grew long,
Each heart filled with joy, with warmth like a song.

Around nine they gathered, for a game full of glee,
“Crazy 8’s!” shouted out, it’s that time, you see.
From ages eight to eighty, they played with delight,
Three decks were required for this fun filled night.

With banter and jests, they teased and they played,
In the home of Grandmaw’s, their memories was laid.
Leftover desserts, how plentiful and sweet  
Those leftover pies an even better treat.

So here’s to the gatherings, the ties that we weave,
In the warmth of Grandmaw’s, we dream and believe.
Through laughter and love, our roots intertwined,
Thanksgiving at Grandmaw’s, a treasure that’s mine.