When my mother entertained
she used her best china
crystal, and silverware
and served elaborate dinners with
red and white wines
There was champagne with dessert
strong coffee in a demitasse
and the ladies wore long dresses
When I entertain
I use oven-proof dishes
stainless-steel flatware
and serve a casserole, a salad
a glass of wine
and a nonfat dessert
There is decaf in a cup
and the women wear pants
When our daughters entertain
they use paper plates
order a pizza with beer
and get a store-bought cake
There is instant coffee in a mug
and everyone comes in jeans
When our granddaughters entertain
it will be pot luck
fast food in cardboard boxes
with soft drinks and coffee in paper cups
and everyone will sit on the floor
in sweat pants and T-shirts
So now I wonder what the generations
after that will do