Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies… ~ 23rd Psalm, KJV
My enemies need not reside in a hostile nation,
be members of a rival gang, attend school across town
or at a traditionally antagonistic university.
A table in the presence of my enemies
when it comes to Halloween, Thanksgiving,
Christmas, New Years…and Valentines,
St. Patrick, Easter, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day…
and Ground Hogs Day, Sadie Hawkins Day,
Mother Goose Day, Cinco de Mayo,
Aviation Day, Bad Poetry Day…any day,
every season. A table prepared in my enemies’
presence can seat parents, grandchildren,
Great Aunt Gertrude, the fellow in the next cubicle,
anybody at any time when they wish their choices
for me when those are not selections enhancing my peace.
On those days my shepherd can prepare me a table,
by having me ask for better choices, bring my own food,
overlook those foods not bringing me peace,
selecting those that do. Any day, every place,
my shepherd prepares a table for me
and I can choose to feast from it.
