Giving Back for Gratitude

My favorite afternoons are those spent at Trinity Cafe where their mission is to restore a sense of dignity to the homeless & hungry while serving a nutritious meal. We faithfully treat all of God’s children with dignity, compassion, love, and respect.

I get great satisfaction out of serving meals to the men, women and children who walk through those doors. On multiple occasions I had to choke back tears when someone stops and shows their gratitude before giving their seat to someone else who needs it. The program at Trinity is filled with love and respect for all human beings and the energy is contagious. As a guest or a volunteer, everyone leaves feeling better about the state of humanity within one another and the world around them. Hope for the future is evident.

For years I have been serving tables of yuppies who treat you like scum and are overly needy without any manners. It is amazing that those who have nothing actually say please and thank you when asking for something. Gratitude goes a long way. I look forward to the days when I attend and am happy to put my serving skills to use. With the opportunity to sit at the table and host our guests and the opportunity to hustle around and grab meals during every visit, the system is amazing.

The Trinity Cafe experience is like nothing I have ever witnessed before. When you walk in, a gentleman asks you how many are in your party and directs you to a table accordingly; they try to seat families, friends or couples together.

There are twelve tables that seat six at a time with a nice centerpiece. Silverware comes neatly rolled and when you sit there is a drink ready for you. You are greeted by the host at that table who asks how your day has been with a smile. The server comes by and says hello. She asks if you would like to start with your salad or take everything at once.

You are served a salad or soup to start, a hearty entree and given a dessert as well. After your first cup of lemonade or tea you are allowed as much water as you would like. When you leave, your spot is quickly cleaned by the bussers and reset by the server who then lets the doorman know how many available seats the table has.

Are there more places like this across the world? I would like to know about all of them. If you know of one similar comment below with the link.

Flashback: Poetry Compilation 2010

I pray you be not greedy

But enjoy every moment

As if the last you shall know

My heart you stole at first glance

Never again shall I be the same

My soul has not felt ‘til now

The true beauty of the world

Without you why shall I live?

My hands in yours, intertwined

Your chest, my eternal rest

Forever I lay in your eyes

Nevermore shall I need again

Our hearts bound ‘til the end

Your love I always hold near

Without, the sun doth not rise

Darkness settles in my bosom

-Untitled by Sam Francisco

 

 

I’m sick of all the bullshit

I’m sick of all the lies

Wake me when its over

I don’t wanna watch it die

Just skip to the end

Spare me the pain

I’d rather it just be done

There’s nothing left to gain

-Sick by Sam Francisco

 

 

Oh green tree, once you held my attention and inspired me.

What happened to that fascination?

Now you are dull and average green tree,

your curves and holes don’t leave me in awe struck.

Is it you green tree, or is it me?

Did your colors really fade or is it my mind that has dulled out?

I am no longer compelled to ascend upon your branches, weightless, above the world.

-Green Tree by Sam Francisco

 

I’m so scared, everyone’s life continues only mine left me somewhere in the dark.

I look in every corner but to no avail, its gone and the darkness is closing in.

I once was treading water but now I am sinking, drowning deeper and deeper –

the surface has disappeared completely.

The ground below looks sturdy and safe so I head towards it.

Finally within my reach, my foot sinks into the ground – forever stuck.

-Oceanography by Sam Francisco

 

What do you see when you look at me

Is it the same as the broken mirrors show

Seven years of bad luck, when will I be free

As the years build up my brow furrows

Life is more than who you are

The outside shows whats within

In my case, its not a pretty fare

Yes the toll is high, I cannot win

Oh how I wish the mirror lied

But I know that  fallacy is only within

In this thought something inside died

So away I stay, tucked neatly in a bin

-Mirrors by Sam Francisco