Alone
at the bar, in town;
down the road to the right.

I was afraid
At first
But then,
at the sight
of the warm firelight
In the hearth
thru the window pane

It seemed safe
And beckoned me
to come in, though alone

Laughter filtered
Through the night air
The camaraderie,
good cheer
(perhaps it was the beer?)
spilling over into the hearts of all
that were here, this night


Heady days of my youth
in the old neighborhood
I would never give pause
Or turn and go home
because I was alone
Those folks were family and -
Everyone knew my name.


No difference tonight
Walk in and sit down.
remember your worth!
don’t feel old!
be bold!
Look, there’s a seat
by the fire.


Instantly -  I belonged!
not a solitary soul
or mere spectator.
I was the majority,
part of the sorority,
of revelers and folk,
though nobody knew my name


all the same
I wondered why:


had I hesitated at the door.
Did I think I was too old
had I lost my nerve?
To enter the frey
Because they
Were strangers?
and so was I?


Alone,nomore
at the bar, in town;
down the road to the right.

The next stranger I see
enter through the glass doors
with a hesitant stare
I will smile, I think                      
and offer a drink
and try to share that feeling
of belonging!


(c) Marlene Dunham 2010