Noisy Eaters (and Other Lessons Learned)

by Nathan Fletcher

I’ve aged some years, I’ve walked some miles,

Faced storms with grit and awkward smiles.

Been humbled more than I can tell,

Learned life’s not always heaven …but it’s sure not hell.

I’ve worked with folks both kind and tough,

The smooth, the sharp, the sweet, the rough.

And through it all, one truth stands clear:

There’s something worse than pain or fear…

It’s noisy eaters. Yes, that’s right …

The smack, the slurp, the painful grunt at night.

A symphony I did not choose,

A test of patience…why must I always lose?

Second place goes, with flair and scene,

To life’s dramatic drama queens.

Bless their hearts …they mean no sin,

But mercy, Lord, they draw you in!

And third, I’d say, with narrowed eyes,

Are blatant cheats …the ones who lie.

The disrespectful, cold, and vain,

Who seem to feed on others’ pain.

Now, I’m no saint …I’ve played my part,

Drove people nuts, broke a few hearts.

But still I pray for peace each day,

And quiet meals…please?…in my own way.

So if you chew beside my ear,

I’ll breathe, I’ll smile, I’ll persevere.

For grace is grown in awkward places,

And patience learned through noisy faces.