Quaker Grace.

We were two strangers, sitting face to face,

("Welcome, my dear! Come in ~ come in.")

a white cloth spread between

set out with biscuits, dainty, colourful;

("My neighbour's gift ~ & now a guest to share")

translucent, fluted cups,

and over all the frangrant breath of tea.

Her aged arthritic hands relaxed for Grace.

Silence.

Be still & know...

Like an electric shock

a jolt through body, mind & soul,

the Spirit came.

.......................Mary Macdonald...........................

first published in Christian Woman, March 1990.