The sunny plaza in front of the theater
is filled with round tables, all empty,
surrounded by empty chairs.
The stiff-backed wooden chairs
are back-and-rump-plumped
with three-section outdoor cushions.
As I walk by, I glance at the gathering,
then quickly look again.
My first thought: Oh, dear!
I’ve intruded on a group
of people who are quietly praying.
But on second look, I have to laugh.
The rolled top sections
of the cushions
incline slightly forward,
leaning from the seams,
like heads bowed in prayer.
Ever since, I carry
with me this
amazed little wondering:
What if all things,
both seen and unseen,
are praying for us
in secret and
unceasingly?
I find I am comforted
by chairs and cushions
as I have never been before.
Ann Keiffer
May, 2012
Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons erix!
