East past neighbors

The neighbors are out having luncheon at their long table, as you guessed they might be; but few of the family are present today: Mother and Father and Granny and Granpa and Lil Su and Big Tom and Daf Will are all there and wave at you; but Mad Many and Sweet Som and Cool Lu are nowhere seen.

Quiet, they all turn to Granpa, who puts down his utensils and announces, 'Many, Som and Lu have off to the war up north, God bless and speed them to victory and home.'

'Aye,' you say.

'And you,' says Granpa.  'Are you off to the war?'

'Not sure,' you reply. "I'll not keep you from repast.  Keep well.'

"If you see Many, Som, or Lu--"

'I will send love.'

The North-South highway is not far.  There is a great spreading elm tree.  You stop and sit under it to ponder your way.