Poem from Aunt Rose for Zel and Nat's 25th anniversary celebration

By Rose

I found this in the folder from Mom and Dad's 25th anniversary. -- Joyce

"The year was 1938, January 9 was the date
When Nat took Zel for his mate, and Zelda did choose Nate.

A wonderful wedding, a honeymoon grand
And off they went to Florida land.

In Hawk's car they did cruise,
and a couple of mishaps left Zel with a bruise.

Two flat tires and engine trouble, Zel and Nat were in a muddle.
They finally made it and did have fun, and came home to get things done.

On Ruxton Ave. they made their home, there was no time to complain or moan.
For the years flew by and life took a new tone.

All of a sudden a restaurant grew, they whole family got involved with you.
Waitresses and cashiers we became, we almost drove Nat insane.

We ate up the profits, but you didn't care.
The chef was tops, what delicious fare.

So in business you stayed for almost 5 years,
you had your joys and your tears.

Zel and Nat and Rose and Hawk decided to have a little talk.
And talk we did, before you knew it,
into a one-family house our lives we fit.

Hawk and Nat had their nights with the gang,
we mooched from our sisters-in-law, what a bang.

All of a sudden and after 5 years
I am going to have a baby, cheers, cheers, cheers.

So along came Ellen (1943), what a doll
To fill the lull with her antics and smile.

Two years later (1945), Joyce by name
And life for Zel and Nat was not the same.

A household full of kids, including our 3
What a museum, some menagerie.

After 7 years to Springdale, a duplex so fine,
Plenty of room for yours and mine.

It lasted only a year and a half,
And on to Virginia we made a path."

The rest is about celebrating their 25th.