The Annual Alonzo Family Tamalada*

In contrast with the cold morning air,

The house was cozy and warm

As we all arrived to participate

Like worker bees starting to swarm.

The smell of pork and refried beans

Permeated the room.

The champagne bottles were chilling on ice--

How much did we consume?

Sally brought some egg McMuffins.

I thought, "Something's amiss:

Egg McMuffins and NO pan dulce!**

What kind of party is this?"

But I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada:

The annual Alonzo family tamalada.

The giant bucket of masa*** awaited

Marisa's kneading hands.

While she kneaded the dough, the rest of us

Listened for Sally's commands.

After a brief champagne toast,

Our assembly line started.

Everyone had a job to do;

It wasn't for the faint-hearted.

Spreading the masa on the husks

Was a messy task.

I wondered, "How many will we make?"

But I was afraid to ask.

It wasn't very long before

Everyone in the casa

Was practically covered from head to foot

With fluffy tamale masa.

We spread and stuffed and folded and wrapped

While Sally entertained us.

The conversation, laughter, fun,

And champagne all sustained us.

The wonderful smells of lunch also

Encouraged us to work hard

Lest we be known as shirkers and our

Reputations be marred.

But I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada:

The annual Alonzo family tamalada.

After a few hundred tamales,

The masa was getting low.

I said, "Yay! We're almost done!"

But Alice said, "Oh, no.

That was just the pork; now we're

Making chile and cheese."

Blurry-eyed I held up my spoon

And said, "More hojas,**** please."

On and on we continued to work

Like hive bees making honey.

But it was worth it, for these tamales

Are more valuable than money.

Alice, Yvonne, Kathy, Yolie,

Aida, and Sally know why--

As do Marisa, Rebecca, Karen,

Marisol, Nancy, and I--

We always look forward to getting together

For laughter, fun, and cheer

And this spirited, heart-warming gathering

Whenever December is here.

Homemade tamales can't be beat

When made in our special fashion

With love, care, conviviality,

Warmth, goodwill and passion.

I wouldn't miss it--nope--for nada:

The annual Alonzo family tamalada.

*tamale-making party

**Mexican sweet bread

***dough

****(corn husk) leaves

(12-14-15) By Bob B