The Table
The table, says Paolo
Used to be an altar
It was sacramental
Where the body and blood
Was truly shared
It was a confessional
Where all was forgiven
The Prodigal welcomed
Where you came in wanting
And left fulfilled
Where you met in communion
Bitterness laid aside
Differences suspended
Where strangers were welcomed
Where to have was celebrated
And to have not was left at the door
Where we shared and served each other
Where need came before appetite.
The table was strong
It would last a lifetime
It drew us back.
A romantic view perhaps.
Now we eat off our knees
Alone, silently, before a screen.