return
thank you
for not forgetting me
that i may come back
and take my place
not too removed
from where it was
before i left
thank you
for making room
for how i've changed
yet recognizing still
how i am just
the same
thank you
then
for holding my hand
and now
for walking beside me
your step
keeping in time with mine
though our strides
be different
thank you
for seeing the important
and precious ties
that bind across time
and space
and difference
thank you.
