We were sitting around the table
Almost ready for the feast,
A little one said the blessing,
Then we raised our eyes from prayer;
My heart skipped for a moment,
I could not help but see
The absence of the ones who
Should properly be seated with me.
Over the years, the chairs have emptied –
Much too often, much too soon,
Some went away, others to their tombs,
Tears puddled my eyes, my breath a stitch,
I only wish I could mend what is missing,
Bring all of them back where they belong,
But only Heaven holds such power, its King,
To redress the deprivations of time’s seizure.
© Jo Ann J. A. Jordan
Haphazard Creative 