Wheat from the Chaff

By Mildred Barthel

I cannot know the ache

Of their tired muscles,

As they reaped their lean harvest.

I wasn’t a part

Of their decisions to include

An Indian brother

In the festivities and feasting.

I can only pray,

As I sit at today’s table,

That I will have courage

To withstand some lean harvests

And compassion to share

Whatever I possess

With today’s hungry brother.