Unexpected Guests

When I am dressed for company
Nobody comes to make a call,
But when I'm on my knees to clean
I am a magnet for them all.

I have a kerchief round my head
And all the rugs are in a pile.
I hear a knock upon the door.
My neighbor stops to chat a while.

I have on my most ragged jeans,
My tee shirt shows a lot of wear.
The chairs have been turned upside down.
I'm chasing cobwebs everywhere.

I hear some laughter in the yard,
It's relatives from far away.
If they had thought to phone ahead,
I'd not be in this mess today.

I truly want to run and hide;
Instead I make my smiley face
And play the hostess just as grand
As if dressed in my finest lace.

I right the chairs, ask them to sit
And go to make a pot of tea,
Glance in the mirror, comb my hair;
I'm ready for my company.

By Joyce: 06/29/05