Centerpiece

The table stays
As the centerpiece
Of our dining room
Built by my grandfather
And shared by all

The tablecloth was yellow
When we gathered round
The cold seeped through
Uninsulated walls
We held close
Through coughing fits
And fever
Too ill for food
Too restless for sleep
Nevertheless, prayer was held

The tablecloth was red
When we gathered round
Gunshots and sirens
Sounded outside
We held close
Through fear
And uncertainty
Too shaken for food
Too vigilant for sleep
Nevertheless, hands were held

The tablecloth was white
When we gathered round
Plates unset and cups unfilled
The children cried
As their stomachs grew thin
We held close
Through fainting spells
And sallow skin
Too poor for food
Too hopeful for sleep
Nevertheless, celebration was held

The tablecloth was black
When we gathered round
Grandfather’s hands clasped tight
Posed for the grave
As tears were shed
We held close
Through loss
And despair
Too broken for food
Too busy for sleep
Nevertheless, love was held

The table stays
As the centerpiece
Of our dining room
Built by my grandfather
And shared by all