One Table

One table, pull up a chair.
One table, there's room right here.

The final's done, the bags are packed,
A taxi idles round the back.
Then someone calls across the road:
"Eat with us before you go."
The Reyes bring a pot still hot,
The Okafors bring what they've got.
Warm bread moving hand to hand—
We didn't even make a plan.

Pass it left, pass it right,
No one's keeping score tonight.
You don't know the words? That's fine.
Lift your glass; I'll lift mine.

One table, pull up a chair.
Pass it around, there's enough to share.
One table, end to end—
A stranger on the left becomes a friend.

Pull up a chair. (There's room.)
Bring one more. (There's room.)

Tuesday's rivals trade their scarves,
Still arguing about that last pass.
Two neighbors from the same old fight
Reach for bread from either side.
He breaks it once and gives her half;
She shakes her head, then starts to laugh.
A toast goes round in seven tongues;
We miss the words but lift our cups.

Pass it left, pass it right,
No one's keeping score tonight.
You don't know the words? That's fine.
Lift your glass; I'll lift mine.

One table, pull up a chair.
Pass it around, there's enough to share.
One table, end to end—
A stranger on the left becomes a friend.

I nearly walked on past tonight,
No dish to bring, no friends in sight.
You put a plate down next to yours:
"That's what the extra chair is for."

One table, pull up a chair.
Pass it around, there's enough to share.
One table, end to end—
A stranger on the left becomes a friend.

Pull up a chair.
We've got room right here.

The flights left in the morning.
The table stayed a week.
(One table.)