The Family Table

we prepare

wipe wooden table surface

set down plates, cutlery, glasses

children wash up, neaten hair

we serve

foods gets placed in serving bowls

offerings of love and hard work

free to all at the dining table

we invite

if anyone fails to

show up we seek them out

call them in to join the family

we share

when the clock chimes mealtime

any person on the farm is asked to join

always room for more

we gather

each sits in their usual places to

pass the food with manners

effort is made to be likeable

we converse

talk about our day, our feelings

discuss the roses and the thorns

we listen and we care

we take turns talking

ask questions to draw out shyness

enjoy each others company

we touch base and find our Anchor

we pick up our dirty dishes

sweep floor of debris

sing and chatter as kitchen is cleaned

we are refreshed and nourished

a bit of self is sacrificed each time as

we dine together

the theme becomes ‘us’

we are bonded as family

our bodies have gained strength

our minds attain new courage

our souls feel peace

the family table is

communion everyday

-Mim ‘24

(in summer i sometimes get lazy about mealtimes all together at the table when we get busy. But it reminds me that we need family dining, sitting all together at the table. We need to get real, connect and talk together as a family. Because when we stop and look around at each other, we realize life is just downright wonderful. )