A Surprise at the Family Reunion

All heads turned when they entered the room.

An Unwelcome Surprise at the Family Reunion

 

By Elton Camp

 

“We certainly do hope that all his descendents will choose

To attend the reunion of the family of Grandfather Hughes.”

The newspaper announced the gathering’s time & location

To recall and praise a man so distinguished, with admiration

 

Grandfather has been a prominent and wealthy physician

Who had all that was expected of a man in his position

He and Grandmother resided in a most imposing estate

They were tended by maids, butlers and servants galore

For an honored ancestor they couldn’t really ask for more

 

But I must admit that most relatives looked down their nose

At those who didn’t have, as a noble ancestor, one of those

For snobs to say, “Of course you know that I am a Hughes”

Was a request for deference that very few would dare refuse

 

The family gathering began in the ballroom of the finest hotel

Men with tuxes and women in long dresses, looking so swell

All, their professions, wealth and accomplishments did mention

To inspire jealously with pretentiousness was their intention

 

At that moment, a family of blacks walked through the door

Their very presence the Hughes family did quite openly abhor

“It is obvious that you people made a mistake in coming here.

The service entrance for menial hotel workers is in the rear.”

 

“You mean this here ain’t the Hughes family’s big meeting?

I thought it was high time that my relatives I was greeting.”

Through the room gasps and expressions of outrage spread

Two fine ladies fainted away almost as if they were dead

 

The oldest Hughes came over and quietly grasped his arm

“Let me show you out so that the reunion you don’t alarm.

Your mistake is natural and it’s not any cause for blame.

Many unrelated people actually will share the same name.”

 

“No, no this is the place I meant to come I definitely know.”

The black man then extended his hand and called him “bro”

“You are mistaken man, for it is clear that you are a spade.”

“Only partly, bro.  My father was from Mr. Hughes’ maid.”

 

Through the family the greatest astonishment then spread

One said, “If that is true, then I would be happier if dead.”

DNA tests that were carried out over the following year

Confirmed his descent, the Hughes family’s greatest fear

 

A grand dame spoke, “How could Grandfather stoop so low.

That to his colored maid he decided that he would go?”

She had forgotten about Grandmother Hughes visage stern

That made him decide that some happiness he did earn

 

Because of that, the reunion was never held any more

The Hughes clan felt it couldn’t be as it had been before

Bigotry was proved stronger than family ties that way

At least that is what all others in town did laugh and say