Miriam l... The Chosen

Dressed in serviceable spotless robes
Her demeanor savant adept but muted
Anonymous
Softly moving with polished grace
Around the table
Serving the diners
Who deal with her as an afterthought
All the bowls and utensils exactly placed
With pride of touch and inner peace
Her hallmark
Perfection in everything
And grace in serving
Simple caring dignity
There are twelve this evening
Simple food for rough hewn men
Counterpointed
With curiously gentle principles
Anxious and furtive this night
A momentousness evident
In their glances and speech
Undertones of future dread
She moves invisible among them
Her presence quietly calming
In its predictable choreography
Seated they speak of past and future
Deeds and goals arguing
As only fishermen can
While one sits back and listens
As a teacher would
The dinner finished He stands to speak
My brothers please take this loaf and wine
Share it as a memory of this night
These days past and future
They did as bid and later
In twos and threes
Bade their farewells
Until He alone is left
Sitting in easy fashion
As she clears the table of all left behind
Precious little due to the takeaways
Spirited by each diner for hunger was a constant
She will be fed on the less than meager leavings
He looks and speaks
Your nobility of service does you proud
And lights my thoughts
To the dignity of all who serve
Here take this gift as a token
A simple cup which is my own but is
The icon of your work.
And perhaps in future icon of mine
May it remind you always
Of the dignity of Service your
Deeds this night exemplify
The gift was unexpected
Graciously accepted by one whose life was service
From one whose service was life











Poetry by josephus The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 685 times
Written on 2010-11-09 at 01:07

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Jamsbo Rockda The PoetBay support member heart!
So I was right in thinking this to be a variation on The Last Supper. It was in the back of my mind until the last two lines, which gave me a shudder of realization. Great work indeed.

Language: 5
Format: 5
Mood: 5
Overall: 5
2015-10-14


John Ashleigh
Here is a comment - but not much of a comment - as I can't fault your talent of words and wisdom.

A beautiful read.

John.

Language: 4
Format: 4
Mood: 5
Overall: 5
2010-11-11


countryfog
Over my many years I've come across a few poems about The Last Supper, none I think from this perspective, and none better. You've captured the grace and humility of Server and Savior in a way that rings exactly true. Very well done.
2010-11-09