The allegory of the long spoons appears in folklore across many different cultures and religions. In brief, it depicts heaven and hell. Both places have an abundance of food, but there is one key element: the cutlery. In hell the spoons are long and unruly, and the patrons are incapable of eating despite the bounty available to them. Because of this, they starve and suffer. In heaven, they use the long spoons to feed each other and they flourish.
Ever since I first heard this back in my Catholic school days, unlike many other tales of fire and brimstone, it stuck with me. Even years later after I have reevaluated my beliefs and values, I still come back to this story. While I may no longer be sold on “heaven and hell” I am certainly compelled by the notion that we are in this life to connect with others. I want to feed others and be fed. I want to share whatever anyone is willing to hold. I have created this space for myself to do just that, and I hope it becomes a space for you too.
Long Spoon Scraps 