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She fussed over the spread all morning

Patterned the blanket to match the doilies and cloth handkerchiefs 

Polished the silver cheese tray and knives 

She picked the perfect casserole dish

Fresh green beans from the garden

Ripe cherry tomatoes from the vine

Edna closed the wicker basket 

And fastened the bows tight 

She then focused on her children  

Zipping and buzzing around the house – the girls in polka dot cotton summer dresses and loose curls. Charlie, her husband – debuting the polo shirt Edna starched and ironed earlier in the day 

It was 6:30 pm

With the sun beginning to set, Edna corralled her family toward the door

One last glance over  

Everyone and everything in place 

The family sat about down the road waving to neighbors as they passed by 

Mr. Roberts watering his lawn 

Mrs. Thelma carrying a crumbled brown bag of groceries into her home 

When they arrived, Charlie lay the plaid blanket across the stretch of grass

Edna was grateful 

Having arrived early to secure the best view – she pulled out the casserole dish and salad plates 

Lizzy, her daughter, pointed her finger toward the scatter of stars

“Look Mommy, they are starting,” she squealed 

Edna turned toward the rustle of the trees 

She watched the black body swinging

And smiled.