To The Table: A Prayer/Poem

To The Table

Jesus, you eagerly long 

To spend this time

With your friends.

To eat this meal, wash these feet

Share body, blood, communing

No matter the coming betrayal

Or denial, or scattering

Your longing is for your friends

The ones that you choose

Frail, broken, but fully beloved

They all go to the table

But I hang back

I’m not sure I am welcomed

One such as me, come so late

Joining this moment through feeble imagination

But you turn to me with that welcoming smile

“Come sit beside me. 

I’ve eagerly longed for this too

Here, eat this bread

Drink this cup

Here, with me 

and in the coming sorrow

I join you to me by this.”

“Lay your head upon my chest

With me, all is well

The dark night comes

But till then

Be together 

Stay close and laugh with me

There is so much more of my love to share

You are welcome

Always welcome

Here 

With me”

The Last Supper by John August Swanson

© Dale Gish 2021. All Rights Reserved.

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