When Together
We honor the labor, known and unknown,
that has brought nourishment to our table.
Thank you plants, [animals], and minerals—
who, in dying or shifting form, allow our living.
We relish the company we have with each other—
each person, worthy of wellbeing.
In sharing this meal, may we be present to the ordinary wonder of living
and sustained for the work of compassion and care.
When Alone
I honor the labor, known and unknown,
that has brought me this nourishment.
Thank you plants, [animals], and minerals—
who, in dying or shifting form, allow my living.
I cherish the presence of my own company—
my body inherently worthy of wellbeing.
In nourishing myself, may I be present to the ordinary wonder of living
and sustained for the work of compassion and care.
Written by Rev. Molly Bolton
*The word animals is written in parenthesis because some who are vegan may choose to remove or alter the language. However, even when meat is not on the table, in many cases, animals have been displaced or otherwise affected by agricultural processes and systems.