Etiquette

Napkin on a lap
fork on the left, knife on the right
patiently waiting for each chair to fill
and a word of thanks and praise
before that first bite

Standing as another person enters
in more need of a seat
a place of mobile rest in a weary day
and saying hello as the wheels begin to turn
thanks for the ride
as you step out onto the pavement

The beauty of an applause
after the performers leave the stage
and the resulting presence of another track
upon their bashful return
expected but not taken for granted
kindness in the gratitude
of the assembled awestruck audience
and the benevolence of one more song

Small moments that make up our shared humanity
Foundations for grace
for peace

For Hope