Sitting before me
I measure his scars and record the beatings
He is broken
Not just his teeth and back, his will is shattered
I ask his plans should he be granted asylum
He has none
My notes reveal he was once an accomplished chef in a fine restaurant
Before his forced exile
I reveal my favorite activity: preparing a feast for friends and family
Asked his menu, he responds: You would not be familiar with dishes I served
I press on, You have a gift–to delight people with your cooking
You can do that still, for acquaintances and strangers…when you recover
When you do, please share with me your secret spices
For a brief moment, raising his head
he offers a tentative nod
5 thoughts on “Common Cause”
Thank you for your service to these courageous souls.
Very moving and inspirational. Thank you for the work you do.
Delicately moving. Thank you
I wish you multiple blessings for the important work you do. Beautiful poem.
Thank you for the work you do and for your poetic description of how an interaction can bring a glimmer of hope.