Without a plate

Food is not a meal without a plate
The history of our race is one of rites
The dignity of setting, time and date

Single folk may eat meals from a tray
The gobbling of the burger’s out of sight
Food is not a meal without a plate

A prayer of blessing, heads bowed as we say
Then we eat, converse into the night
With dignity in meeting, time with space

The plates, a simple white, we dedicate
To the love of sharing and of light
Food is a fine meal upon a plate

From the high chair, toddlers aggravate
Let them be themselves, without dislike
Learn their dignity without disgrace

The Sunday roast, the laughter we incite
Forgivenesss and regret for our mistakes
Food is not a meal without a plate
The dignity of setting, time and date