You can go ahead
and set those worries right down
in the hall. You don’t need
to carry them upstairs

Come in, relax — every part of you
is welcome. We will thoroughly enjoy
all that you are

Even Awkward, that funny half-relative,
can feel at home here.
We don’t take him too seriously,
which comes as a relief to him.
I saw him settling in, with new ease,
leaning in to the surrounding laughter

We’re glad you found us. Whether you traveled
five hours in a sleigh, or six in an airplane,
or ten minutes across the bumpy winter grass,
your coming makes our circle rounder —
your presence is desired.

©Wendy Mulhern
November 27, 2018