Ancient communities gathered around campfires to feel safe
from the frightening creatures of the night,
both real and imagined.

More recently folks gathered around their kitchen tables
to feel warm and safe from the troubles of their homeland,
both real and imagined.

Where can our modern communities gather together?
Where can we go to feel safe from the problems of our world,
both real and imagined?

Is it the campfires and kitchen tables
which make people feel safe
or the gatherings themselves? 
M. Alibrando

Originally written - October 31, 1994