This morning I realised
a whole lot of family
would be descending on our home.

During Chinese New Year,
no one really makes an appointment.
They simply show up —
like an open house.

My mother is now the matriarch of the clan.
And in a Peranakan family,
food is the centre of the gathering.

Almost twenty people
were coming in one swoop.
Day 2 lunch.

The messages started at 9am.
“See you for lunch.”

Chairs?
Tables?
Food?
Cutlery?

Did we have enough hands
to keep the drinks flowing?
The dishes washed?
The kitchen in order?

And at the same time,
could I sit,
listen,
and truly be present
to each guest?

Yesterday’s prayer echoed in my heart —
“We have no bread, Lord.”