sitting in a darkened theater
in West Knoxville
taking part
in the common meal
the open table
the communion
the eucharist
the body and the blood
I realized
the tide had gone out
after decades
of dutiful observance
I listened
and heard
with new ears
and understood
the shift that had occurred
without my noticing:
in taking part
in the remembrance of Him
I had forgotten
to enumerate my inequities
to name my shortcomings
to list my failures
and to articulate
the depth of my sorrow
and sorryness
I simply forgot
entirely
to respond with penance
and my face
did not burn with shame
but genuinely glowed
with an effortless smile
grace had silently
surely
won the day
and my most natural
and rote
response
had given way
changed
from guilt
to gratitude
it only took 36 years
how long
for a thirsty
and hungry world
December 2007
