The Table

a poem about belonging*

*Inspired by and dedicated to the Dialogue Group. I give thanks for all the voices around that table. And sweetly remember those gone on, their rich echoes vibrating from another world. Their recipes for building a beloved community still stirring in our hearts.

The Table
Rebecca Wilson, 10 Camels, November 2023

once a month I have the honor of gathering at a table
sometimes a literal oblong table in a little room behind a stage
where the temperature is always too hot or too cold
yet the atmosphere just right
other times we sit in non-matching uncomfortable chairs in an imperfect circle
no table at all
it is here I receive a meal that sustains me

each time we come together I am in awe of all that has been prepared
I am served a plate piled high with the experiences and ideas of others
I am nourished and healthier just for being in their presence

I drink from the cup of their wisdom
I am filled with courage and strength
and the desire to continue traveling my journey
with open eyes, an open mind, an open heart
open to miracles and magic
daily blessings and living bread
communion away from an altar
sacraments enhanced by their distance from the sanctuary
no one and everyone ordained to consecrate and participate

my spirit is fed as others taste the dish that I bring
even an unrefined recipe with missing ingredients
I sometimes worry the flavor is not their favorite
unpleasing to their palate
or that I have spiced it too heavily or not enough

their actions reflect what their words speak
I am not simply welcome, I belong
and when I’m not here my absence is noticed
the same for everyone

neither shame nor condemnation are ever served
voicing questions and doubts is encouraged
when I do not understand it’s safe to ask
explanations come with patience and space to consider
no coercion or forced confessions
disagreements and differences bring no hostility
no possibility is beyond discussion
there is neither pressure nor obligation to consume more than I desire
or share more than I have to give

at this table I name who I have always been
and begin to forgive and embrace her
the invitation to be honest at this table
fills me to be authentic in other places
understanding what sustains me has changed me
feasting at this humble table
sitting in this perfectly imperfect circle
I catch glimpses of how I envision an eternal table will be

and with one more sampling I start to wonder
what if now is the only eternity we’ll ever know

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Next Wednesday begins an Advent series. Each week a letter penned to hope, love, joy, peace, and the beloved. Follow us on facebook and instagram for additional offerings throughout the week, including a special invitation letter addressed to you that will arrive on Sunday, November 26th.