Holy Mess
© 1998 Ginger Henry Geyer
glazed porcelain with platinum
6 parts, app. 6” x 15” x 11”
This mess of soiled linens, candle stubs, and a crumber spilling crumbs is the aftermath of a fine dinner, one enjoyed until the candles burned down. Such times with family and friends are holy ones, exuding joy and thanksgiving that just overflows. That upswelling of uncontainable joy is the topic here—we find it in all good meals, including communion.
When the wellspring brims
its ripping cry bursts its seams
and squirts
Like a fool sprinkler in the rain,
Do you gather up our gratitude
in broad arms,
pat the rough edges into a soft shape,
comely and thick,
And serve it back to us at dinner?
Do you amass the ruby wines
we bring as grateful guests,
splashing into generous glasses,
clinking, dripping onto untroubled linen?
Here in the fullness of warm wax
where we scrape for words,
You Are,
You--collector of crumbs,
giver, receiver--
we would implode
if you were not there
to absorb our praise.
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