The Banquet (Life's Aftershock) Poem by Chris Embrick

The wealthy executive who lived a carefree, lavish lifestyle died.
Awakening he was ushered into a large banquet room
and seated at the table.In front of him was placed a plate of rice with lentils.He looked with disgust and summarily
upbraided the Waiter, declaring:
"I cannot possibly eat this garbage, please bring me a menu."
The Waiter politely obliged.
The only words written on the menu were:
TODAY'S ENTREERICE WITH LENTILS
The CEO looked utterly shocked and began cursing aloud.

Across the room sat a farmer, who looked at his plate of rice and lentils.
He smiled with great joy; tears filled his old eyes
and he began to thank the God of Heaven for being so kind and generous.

While the CEO fumed, slowly, the left side of the room filled with other business executives, fashion models, movie and rock stars, and quite a few lawyers and politicians.
Before each guest was placed a plate with rice and lentils.
All looked on with horror and disbelief.
Each sat in stunned silence, cursing under their breath.

Across the room, the tables filled with other farmers, factory workers, miners, a few wealthy philanthropists, street beggars, and the homeless.
Joyful laughter filled the air; each guest smiled and lovingly embraced their neighbors. As they began eating, each thanked the Waiter for the delicious meal.

On the other side of the room, everyone looked startled, angry, and perplexed.The CEO exclaimed to the model and Senator beside him:
"What in Hades is wrong with all those people over there! "
He then motioned for the Waiter and demanded that he call a limo
and escort he and his fellow celebrities to a different restaurant.
The Waiter politely responded: "Sir, in this life and on this world
there is no other restaurant."

The CEO angrily shouted, " I demand to see the Owner! "

The humble Waiter politely answered. "Sir, I am the Owner"
"Please enjoy your meal."