continuing a tradition wherein my Mom asks me to prepare a blessing for the Thanksgiving table, here is 2019's blessing from late November, Chicago:
life cycles
through us
around this table
all the way between
unborn and retired
we are practicing a human project
to eat and grow strong
to sustain and expand our family
any family might be both nice or mean
this conflict will not cease, it follows us
we are born of parochial warrior tribes
who break treaties when convenient
perhaps we are civilizing ourselves over time
through ritual
and creeping vegetarianism
let us dwell for a moment in peace
take a deep breath
and remember
amidst eternal struggle
there is occasionally a chance to gather
at a broader table
to bow our heads
to reflect on privilege
to recommit to community service
for as we are now warm in this coming winter
there are cold cousins beyond these walls
our very lives are thanksgiving
that we survived this long
that we have found each other
to share our time remaining
to be good to one another
