The Brotherhood of the White Beards

 

Yesterday, or so it seems, there was a gathering of gentlemen on an autumn day in the sunshine to converse as friends near and far. Some names are more familiar and some faces have changed but this congregation of white beards were civil due to laughter and adult beverages.

Some go back to the last century and others are links to occasional meetings. As these are all men beyond their prime, they speak of manly topics while dipping into the hummus.

As elderly do, we start with the topics that are not threatening or challenging. There are no competitions other than stand up and walk to the loo, but the sunshine kept them semi-warm in the forest.

Being manly men, they spoke of their latest purchases of mobile machines and FYI renovations for the next generations. Mild music waffled through the air of soft songs not requiring dancing. There was no talk of politics or religion or even grandchildren (though I find that rare with online comments and grandmothers). No comments were made about fashion, except for those who wore shorts on this chilly afternoon. There was no talk of previous or contemporary relationships. A few gaps were filled in with pointed questions but nothing demanding a confrontation.

All in all, it was a pleasant afternoon among geezers of the Brotherhood of the White Beards.

Now the season is here for the weather to force everyone into shelter and decorate and accommodate for immediate family and friends. Gifts are bestowed and celebrations are had through the dark holidays with good food and cheer by the warm fires of memories made or remembered.

The Brotherhood of White Beards may never recure without any record of it ever happening. The names of the attendees will go unmentioned. No property or person was harmed as I could tell. The accommodations and transportation were paid in full and there was very little waste for the proprietor.

The decorations will fill the neighborhood with light and celebration while I will creep back into the woods to awake the warmth of spring and coming of the dawn.