"What helps protect...makes it possible to stay close to your own story and remain genuinely open to the stories of the people...?"
Much like community watering wells of ancient times and front porches of the Deep South, it seems that kitchen tables and the nourishment they yield are becoming more rare among us, even as we need them all the more.
A Small Prayer for Kitchen Tables
May we remember and revere the spaces that hold our stories.
May kitchen tables be restored as a sacred, communal space of collective cultural practice.
May our tables be multiplied and sanctified.
May those who humbly prepare and joyously share tables be abundantly blessed.
May the nourishment they yield and the bonds they build replenish and restore us.
May we savor the food and stories served as they fortify our kinships, friendships, and fellowship.
Thank you Awakin for the table you set and extend to us as readers.
The Tree Bears Witness
Triggering moments are tricky.
Was it the single finger, the blaring horn, the sudden, scary interruption without signal?
Many assumptions and nosingle story to make us whole.
I know them, hold them, ancient and anchored in my roots.
Who is the “thug,” the “villain,” the “reckless, selfish” one,the passionate, protective parent?
Please — no need (or knees) for police in a fearless land of purple lollipops.May wepause andbreathe,letgrace and my prayer-filledbranches love us all sweetly home.