Embracing the Unknown

I notice the single placemat within the circle of noise, Placing my phone on the cluttered side plate, I can feel the Christmas spirit resonating through, The crowd of extended families unwrapping each other’s joy, A tear drops onto my unused napkin, My mind races with memories of family togetherness, The phone reminds me of the unsent WhatsApp messages, I spot the waiting team slalom through the chairs, Out of the corner of my eye I notice a waiter offering me the red, white, or rose wine, I must have blanked out for a quick second or two, As for some reason I chose the red wine, I’m not a big fan of red wine, I notice something unexpected, A noise behind my ear struck me subtly, Hesitantly I turn towards the surprising situation, “Would you like to join us?” A lady to my left asks alongside her children, Tears flood my unconscious shirt, “No-one should be on their own” another added “Join us!” I graciously accept after they make the decision for me, They share that they are from Lincoln, As they collectively lift the small square towards their table, I can’t believe the surge of care that I’m being shown by strangers, Stories were poured as the red wine wrote the words to a great Christmas Lunch, I laughed to many a tale about their previous Christmas trips, Smiles simmer in this cauldron of enjoyment, The red wine even produced miracles, Overcooked beef became irrelevant in the cape of chuckles, To be included in such a positive way, real and not in a forced manner, Opening the door to showcase the missing piece on the mantle of Christmas, I’m glad I chose to go down the stairs, I felt a little overwhelmed by all the morning family togetherness being showcased, But my faith in humanity has been restored, As long as the flickering light within the hand of Christmas remains, I will try my best to rise to most challenges, As today a small gesture had a hugely heartwarming effect, A large impact that will not fade in time.