Douglas Smith
Welcome to the Open Table,
Empty Chair,
All You Care to Eat Café
Reservations are not required,
although they are accepted,
joyful for each guest
they always have room for one more
At the Open Table Empty Chair,
All You Care to Eat CaféCrisp white walls wrap
Their arms around red booths
Silver swivel counter stoolsIn front of each chair
Is an empty placecard.
This invitation is an open one.
No one is turned away.Some people gather as a family
Arriving lively and festiveOthers come and go by themselves
At times the mood is somber and deeply personal
All are welcomed by J.C.
She has yet to meet a stranger
It’s amazing the people she knows
She shares a soul solace
That nourishes
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