Blesséd are . . .

the tillers of soil, fallow ground, seed
tucked into a mother’s organic tendering
certainty of gentle rains, sunshine,
cool nights, serendipitous expectations

the laborers called to clear the rocks,
hard patches, social workers taking a street-grimed
hand, knuckles raw from brick walls,
placing the combination to doors unlocking

those who lose themselves in the briars, blood
lettering ragged flaps of cardboard boxes, HELP,
manuscripts lifted up, city street corners, stop lights,
drivers’ peripheral attention, hope for a window lowering

the pastors shepherding the lost and hungry
flock in line for the meal offered for all,
bowed heads whispering grace, prayer petitions,
their promised kingdom of heaven¹

the Blind who find themselves being led to tables,
waiting in darkness for their companion bringing
two plates of food, a glass of sweet tea, and the dessert
of joyful noise, a shared laugh assuring the way

the companion therapy dogs admitted beside
their human wards at table, others patient, head out
the window of pickup trucks, or pacing leashed,
anticipating a doggie treat, confident, waiting

the Chef, Sous Chef, and kitchen workers,
the Hungry filled, communion table conversation safe
from the weather all have weathered, former lives
from the tombs, resurrection for all freely given.

Notes:

*Seven Beatitudes with “Parable of the Sower”: A Blessing For Our Neighbors, City Light Community Ministries 

The Beatitudes: Matthew 5: 1-12, KJV
“Parable of the Sower”: Matthew 13: 4-9, The Jerusalem Bible
¹Matthew 5: 3, KJV