Our Daily Bread

A tinkling bell announces arrivals.
Sights, scents lead to temptation, salvation.
What to touch, what to taste?
Answers lie half-hidden behind the counter,
beckoning in tall glass cases.

Give us this day our daily bread
A complement of diversity stands in service,
ready to meet wants, needs.
To the left, day-old offerings,
To the right, shining richness.
Extravagant decadence?
Let them eat cake.
Essential sustenance?
Let them eat.
Feed the hungry. Sate the beast.

Forgive us our trespasses
Day passes.
Resources dwindle.
Redistribute across racks and shelves.
Make it seem like more, or at least enough.

As we forgive those who trespass against us
Toiling,
feeding others so they can feed their own.
Family, community, travelers.
The lost.

And lead us not into temptation
Who will be fulfilled?
Who left wanting?
Who will be left tomorrow?

Or the next day?

But deliver us from evil

A tinkling bell announces departures.

Late to the Bakery – Cindy Stiles, Artist