Someone Who Sticks Around

I’ve laid down the welcome mat
And opened the door,
An invitation to anyone
To step right in,

I was overjoyed 
When people came,
I gave them smiles
For dinner,
And love for dessert,

But the smiles were transformed
To tears of sadness
When they left as quickly
As they came in—

And I realized
I seek
Not the intelligent,
Beautiful,
Perfect,
Athletic,
Angelic,
Or even those like me,

But I’ve sought someone
Who is simply willing
To share life
Forever
Instead of walking out the door.

© Benjamin Graber
bgraber@neo.rr.com