Welcome Back!
I’ve always made an effort to keep
In contact with friends
But sometimes that constant effort
Feels lopsided and ends
There have been many who, through years
Have only waited for
Me to put the first foot forward
And walk through the door
“Welcome back!” I hear them say
When I broadcast again
“Haven’t seen or heard from you
Since, oh, I don’t know when!”
But I don’t feel like I’ve been gone
I’ve been here all along
Though they think I have been silent
I’ve been singing my song
The vast majority to which
I speak to will reply
“Welcome back!” because they’re so
Used to saying goodbye
But there’s a handful of true friends
Who do reciprocate
And never give a “Welcome back!”
Because they do not wait
They never wonder, “Where you been?”
Because they make the call
Because they send the note
No matter how minor or small
They are the Alex’s and Sue’s
The Richard’s and Gab-May’s
The ones who do not just reply
They’re warriors who say
“Hello!’ and are not just an audience
Waiting for more
They never give a “Welcome back!”
Because they don’t ignore
The effort that it takes to be
A true friend and maintain
To nurture, sustain, prolong and
No fear enters their brain
No doubt if they should bother and
No shyness to speak up
No laziness to take a drive
And chat over a cup
I do appreciate the “Welcome Back!”’s
That I receive
But know that silently I say
Each time, “I didn’t leave”
Still here, still breathing
Still pounding my warrior chest
Still conquering my pain, still pondering
Still feeling blessed
Still singing, still snarling, still showing
My fierce razor fangs
My feather quill still writes and my
Steel sword still swings and clangs
I simply take a side step and
Remove myself from stage
Still here, just not under spotlight
Off to the side I wage
So ask yourself, next time you tell
An old friend, “Welcome back!”
Were they really gone or did you
Not pick up the slack?
Are you a friend who doesn’t wait
Or audience on hold
Do you wait and say, “Welcome back!”
Or do you act more bold?
~Miro
