what if
when the banquet begins
the tables are covered with just ordinary food and drink
the guest of honor is toasted for his imperfections
his mistakes in life celebrated
the applause begins and does not stop
he smiles and asks for quiet
grateful
filled with awe
those in the room are not seeking someone to look up to
but someone to sit next to
he does not seek adoration
but rather to be in the company of friends
in the midst of this experience
time is lost
each moment filled with astonishing fullness
glance toward the door
no one is leaving
there is a secret untold
everyone gets to take a turn
at the head of the table
Jay Kaplan
6/6/02
