We are safe.
Our conversations are tender and warm.
Disagreements do not create hurt feelings,
Merely a further exploration of the subject.
Bob knows his gift of food
To a street person is not merely
Intended to show concern for another.
He recognizes the infinitesimal space
Between his good fortune
And what might have been.
Dinner here (with five dogs seeking scraps,
All hopefully surrounding the table),
Settles into a dialogue on forgiveness.
Only Joanne believes she can always forgive,
Irrespective of past disappointments.
Bob, Diana and I acknowledge we
Would not offer absolution so readily.
It’s a soft evening.
Four friends who have dined here often.
Bob and Joann have never allowed
Us to accept a touch of guilt
For always being the guests
At their home
The night slowly closes around us
And wishing neither the meal,
Nor conversation become empty history,
I will have a space in my memories
For this time together.
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