One Night

The door is opened
lamps are lit
the cat rolls over
purrs a welcome
lavender lilac
scents the room
laughter rings round
friends are here – new and old
there’s help in the kitchen
wine runs free
words come fast –
tongues get tangled
moon shines –
stars shoot
happiness shimmers
and I’m lit
like the lamps
on this warm May night

– Joanna Qureshi