They applauded. I cried.


“It was a fruitful discussion.”

The facilitator announced as we waved goodbye to each other, hoping to meet everyone again tomorrow.

 

It was a fruitful discussion, I agree.

We have exchanged a lot of great ideas.

They applauded for the times I have spoken.

 

“You have so many great ideas.”

“I love how you think.”

“You are bright.”

 

I got a little shy, of course. But I replied with a smile.

I tried to make sure that my smile would show genuineness, not boast.

I want to be nice.

I want to be grateful for the appreciation.

 

But in small moments, I found myself staring at nothing

Thinking about how this day would end.

Silently, I told myself,

“I want to tell you how great this day is going.”

“They love my ideas.”

“They think I have great ideas.”

 

But I cannot do that anymore.
You are no longer waiting for me to come home.
No longer there to listen,
to welcome me with open arms,
to hug me tight.

 

You are no longer waiting.
And I can no longer wish for you to be.
I am no longer your home.


So I smiled.

And then, I cried.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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