Abundance
the capability to share is the essence of being human
We feast on home baked banana bread,
thick chunks dressed in cream and honey,
mushrooms wok’ed and vine tomatoes roasted whole,
juice and virgin olive oil a fragrant mix,
sausages, meat and vegan to cater for each taste
attending this Thank God Its Sunday brunch.
The church hall doors open;
a beggar, two dogs leashed to his ankle,
stands uncertain,
eyes heavy with hunger.
My back bends, head hangs
under the weight of his need,
and I look upon the abundance
gathered at each serving table,
ask myself who among us would not share
of this harvest,
not to lighten our burden,
provide a brief respite to our unsated souls,
but to honour that part of us,
too long and often fallow now,
which makes us human,
moves us into our inheritance to become
the guardians descended from Eden’s angels.
To feel guilt or not to feel guilt. That is the question. I doubt there is an honest answer to it.
Interesting poem, still trying to read it.
I don’t think it’s a question of guilt. I believe that we are all wired for generosity and the daily grind of living hides that. Our consciences are pricked when we see a beggar sitting on the pavement, when the news shows the famines, the wars and the refugees, and that re-awakens the need to open ourselves and share what we have. You go to the poorest communities and they will open their cupboards and lay what they have before you..
I guess you are right. I’ve experienced the generosity of people with much less than me in India. But in the world of the rich there is sometimes (definitely not always) a reason behind their generosity.
Call me cynical. 🙂