intriguing story.

Do you need 'like magic'? I wonder if it [paradoxically]weakens the
autochthonous nature of the realisation?

Terri )O(

-----Original Message-----
From: The Pennine Poetry Works [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of noun
Sent: 26 November 2002 01:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: At the Table


Rugus Dawson sat with his napkin tied around his neck,
fork ready, staring dreamily at the roast turkey
Mother placed the gravy boat on the table,
directly in front of Rugus.  I watched his eyes move.
Eight of us were about to feast but not before mother asked Rugus to give
the blessing.
Rugus please, our guest, will you offer thanks giving?
Rugus quickly untied his bib, placing his fork by an empty plate, he arose.
Dear God, you have delivered me and these, to this table
I push my gluttony aside to thank you for these friends and your bounty
My belly shall soon be full with food from these table bowls
but not as full as my heart, with love, for thee and these.
amen
we all said amen
Rugus sat and tied his bib back on, picked up his fork and waited for the
bowls to pass.

Father carved the turkey, talking all the while about the dull knife,
he de-breasted the brown succulent bird in layers of white slices
we watched, seven of us, while mother thanked Rugus for his grace

Rugus said the best part of the turkey is the leg.
Father looked up, before he went back carving.

Would you like a leg Rugus?  Father said,
pointing the carving knife at Rugus.
Mother arose, as father directed the knife to her
Or would you rather take my wife?

In that moment, like magic, we knew
father was not father.

noun