Monday, September 2, 2019

Melissa Hager's "Stained" after Paul Sink




STAINED
by Melissa Hager
after Paul Sink’s Open Doors Lead
                           to New Experiences of Community


Hundreds of meals dished, donated
Trader Joe's steaks ground to make
meatloaf. Buttered bread, baskets
passed back for more. Big people,
little people, homeless on the streets,
community surviving day by day
on handouts, shared cigarettes.
Mary in the kitchen works
magic on beef, stewed cabbage,
fluffy biscuits. Sherrill mans the pans,
baking sheets filled with golden
topped delicacies. Amy directs
serving bowls; knows every square
inch available on countertops to fill.
Served home-style, the closest
many will get. All said and devoured,
kitchen to clean, mats to carry
out and wash. Later notice stains
on T-shirt, pray they will wash
away. But they don't; meat grease
marks its territory for keeps.
Then, like grandma refusing to wash
window fingerprints left from grandbaby
visits, decide to like imperfections.
Testimony for the day the body of Christ
was served on the streets. Of His damaged
hands, bloodstains, a great sacrifice.
Amen, amen.


-for Haywood Street Congregation, Asheville, NC

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