with a mad dash to the door

“thud!”
I felt it but never really knew what was the impact.

the bruise started swelling,
and quickly my arm was marked.
I had only just begun to see
when all of you pushed back
and yelled,
“surprise!”

and then you dragged me,
kicking and screaming,
back into this party.

and no, I wasn’t screaming to leave
but to stay.

alas, that’s what I think I’d like, now.
to be forced to stay,
to be held down and pummeled with the same love
shown already.

but I should be departing.
and I am, much to the chagrin of some
who’ve experienced one too many go arounds
of goodbyes.

just that – this is why.
I’ve known,
and now I really know,
this is why.

it’ll be that heat in the rain
the umbrellas and sheltering trees
the uplift in my spirit some gloomy morning
that you’re all here.

I know why,
and I am cherishing that knowledge
with all my might.

thank you,
and good night.