friendly, part 2

dear friend,
it’s me again.
sending well wishes,
and my updates by pen.

per your encouragement from last,
i’m making home this dry place.
recalling good times we’ve shared,
hard to explain, helps me see here different,
form a small refuge again.

yes, building confidence like callous,
one layer of courage at a time.
i’ve been hosting guests to my house,
per your advice, i aligned.

these acquaintances and then theirs,
ones met and mentioned before,
i’ve now braved to invite in,
some i like less, yet some more.

it’s altogether different in my space,
knocking relentlessly, they come again.
some i wish wouldn’t,
others, their presence i beckon.

strangely it varies,
sometimes the gatherings delightful,
friends calm and comforting,
their wisdom quite insightful.

other times more unsettling,
conversation volume elevates,
rowdy, disruptive, perhaps questioning,
leaves me, and the house, disturbed states.

with their growing comfort,
also the coming and going,
to corners my calendar reach.
changes my rhythms and routines,
i don’t know what i’m doing,
for this is why, you, i beseech.

i recall you a graceful host,
a natural welcome to every part.
show me how you assemble the room,
you gather others, in hospitable art.

it’s your wisdom i’ve seen,
how you care, how you hold.
knowing what’s true and right,
and in facing not, when to be bold.

for i want my house,
a warm home to become.
how do i keep this sacred,
yet welcome what comes?

what’s mine to control,
what’s better i release?
for the old friends and new,
to supplement, not void, the lease.

you’re introducing me to more,
those who have always been here.
find Purpose in the present,
Meaning in the moment.
Hope, no matter what’s happening.
each of those, a kind person,
reminding me of you, that’s the point.

you’re also uncovering new layers,
with deeper tales and stories from old ones.
those i was less comfortable around,
Sorrow and Suffering, to name some,
hosting, you’re showing in new light,
friendships not done.

so i guess we can say all is well,
yet longing to hear you say, Delighted.
i guess i just wish for your presence,
so to this home, you’re cordially invited.