When in-laws pay their visit
a cloud descends on the family:
when will they leave?
A day is like a century-
how they talk and advise
with such alacrity and impunity
they can't be contradicted
or they'll turn enemy-
too eager they are
to share their past history:
' Do you know I was the Beauty-Queen?
All the handsome young men fell desperately for me!'
The father-in-law must have his say:
' I was a Colonel in the Royal Military
in Flanders Field I fought with distinction
to our country I brought honour and glory!'
Meal-times are moments most trying
nothing suits their tastes-- not even to the slightest degree
so they suggest dining out for the whole family
but they will not volunteer to take out any money!