Welcome
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Welcome
When we enter this world, it’s the first word we hear
Though it may seem simple, its meaning’s not clear
“Of course it is!”
You will say
“It means I’m accepted in every way.”
How welcome am I?
We are told and we are taught that we are all welcome
You and I the same
But what of others?
“What others?”
You will say
I speak of those who go by they
I speak of those not truly he
I speak of those no longer she
I speak of course of those unknown
And of those who are clearly shown
I speak of those who aren’t from here
I speak of those born very near
I speak of the dark, the light, the in between
Those with soft voices and those who scream
I speak of those in a house of stained glass
I speak of those beaten, the ones you call trash
I speak of those that believe in your lies
I speak of those with truth in their eyes
I speak of those who hope for a change
I speak of those who remain the same
I speak of those suppressed and chained
I speak of those who change their name
I speak for those with a simple goal
And those who refuse their given role
I speak of those who fought and failed
When they knew what war entailed
Of those who are hungry for life, not greed
Who respect the earth, the sky, and the sea
I speak of those who so readily forgive
And those who died, but continue to live
I speak of those who preach in rhyme
Even when their views are far from mine
Do you see now?
Or must I continue
I was not welcomed
Not by you
You never tried to understand what I knew
I speak not for anyone but myself
But I’m sure those I mentioned feel the same too
My welcome was empty
Not quite like yours
Though I heard the same word
Yours opened more doors
Behind your mirthful tune you mask your intent
And promise consolation if I forget and repent
But I see through your lies, your blasphemous song
Who are you to tell me what’s right and what’s wrong?
I blindly follow neither messiah nor man
I shape my own path with outstretched hands
And welcome myself into this world
Albeit the greeting is long overdue
So, how welcome am I?
We are told and we are taught that we are all welcome
You and I the same
But what of others?
“Once again…”
This time with some thought, I hope you will say
“It means you’re accepted in every way.”
It’s not your fault, the words were all there
You only needed the true meaning to understand what’s fair
Welcome