in a crowded room

You arrived late, you always did
as I recall and you came and sat
there in the midst of them.  One
or two moved up to give you space
in the crowded room though that
might have been on account of your
eclectic clothing and unkempt hair.
Yet your bright eyes and half smile
spoke a thousand different stories.
The great and the good were there
and the speaker offered profound words
into the gathering of responsibility and
representation.  Did we fulfil them in our
welcome or, once again, miss you sitting
amongst us waiting for an invitation.

For Ifor who was always there, and often ignored.

Reflecting on Rowan Williams lecture for Bangor University Chaplaincy 24th April 2017