I love stories of return,
& of difficult return:
twists & turns, temptations,
newly discovered strengths,

and the difficult lesson 
upon the longed-for door step
that home is too small
for the you that's here.

Love's lens sharpened by pity
of those that remained, waited,
and maybe even
longed for this new you.

What new selves must we be now?
You, unpacking your worn bags
in this house now turned
stage, your return show

in a role you've long outgrown.
Me & mom at the threshold 
of your room she cleaned,
watching you text friends

also returned for the break,
planning froyo, coffee, or
just a hang somewhere,
your favorite supper

warming, waiting on the stove.
Did you miss us? You hungry?
Was it all worth it?
Welcome home, my love.

Written in community with VerseLove, a group of mostly educators writing a poem every day of April (National Poetry Month). The prompt for today was inspired by this poem.