An empty table
where are the people
to enjoy the space.
(An empty table could mean a lot of things to me. One reason for an empty table is because there is no family. Another reason for an empty table there could be no food, but still another reason for an empty table could be that no care to show up just to be together food or no food. A table's purpose to bring together those who care and share what is important with one another. I know in today's society its main purpose is to be a vehicle to serve and eat food with very little meaningful conversation except for maybe 'Pass the butter." or "Pass the ketchup." No one really shares their day around the table anymore maybe because they are so busy from school and work and other activities. There is one day or two that there is that allows for conversation even though there is a lot of passing around of food. One just has to listen to the others around the table.)
About the Creator
Mark Graham
I am a person who really likes to read and write and to share what I learned with all my education. My page will mainly be book reviews and critiques of old and new books that I have read and will read. There will also be other bits, too.
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Mark Graham and writers in Critique and other communities.
The Family Table
A table waiting for a family to gather togetherness now.
By Mark Grahamabout a year ago in Critique
Standing While Falling
Quotation from Friedrich Nietzsche "He who wrestles long with monsters should beware lest he himself become a monster. And if you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you. Man is not destroyed by suffering, but by the meaning he makes of it."
By LUCCIAN LAYTH8 days ago in Critique
Understanding the P. Diddy Controversy and the 50 Cent Factor
For over three decades, the name Sean "Diddy" Combs was synonymous with the pinnacle of American success. From the glitz of the "White Parties" in the Hamptons to the chart-topping dominance of Bad Boy Records, Diddy wasn't just a mogul; he was a gatekeeper of culture. However, by 2025, the music industry’s most polished facade finally cracked. What followed was a legal and social collapse so comprehensive that it transformed a global icon into a cautionary tale of power, ego, and accountability.
By Teodor Monescu8 days ago in Critique
Comments (16)
This is for sure a Top Story well done Mark ♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️♦️
Or they sit around that table and stare at their phones.
So clever and thoughtful!
So relatable and thought-provoking! Well done.
Very thought provoking! Thank you for sharing.
Ah this brought back memories to when my Nonna was alive. Now her home is sold...and the family only meet up in smaller gatherings at smaller homes or in restaurants. Not really the same. Loved this little critique and well done on getting Top Story for it, Mark!
Congratulations on your top story
Congratulations on your top story. I'm reflecting on past gatherings as I write this. 💕
Back to say congratulations on the top story, Mark! Well done!
Congrats on TS, well deserved.
Mark, your point, along with the picture certainly and fully made such a legitimate point in today's culture. Well done!
An excellent reflection, so somewhat sad, of the table's meaning to our current society. Good work, Mark.
Sitting around the table when growing up meant lingering around after dessert to hear the grown-ups sharing stories. The kids now run off to their rooms for computers, telephones and the table is empty.
I agree with you 💯.
Good work
nice story