The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat
_____to live.
The gifts of earth are brought and prepared, set on the table. So it
_____has been since creationg, and it will go on.
We chase chickens or dogs away from it. Babies teethe at the
_____corners. They scrape their knees under it.
It is here that children are given instructions on what it means to
_____be human. We make men at it, we make women.
At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers.
Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our
_____children. They laugh with us at our poor falling-down selves
_____and as we put ourselves back together once again at the table.
This table has been a house in the rain, an umbrella in the sun.
Wars have begun and ended at this table. It is a place to hide in the
_____shadow of terror. A place to celebrate the terrible victory.
We have given birth on this table, and have prepared our parents
_____for burial here.
At this table we sing with joy, with sorrow. We pray of suffering
_____and remorse. We give thanks.
Perhaps the world will end at the kitchen table, while we are
_____laughing and crying, eating of the last sweet bite.