I used to be me.

I am accepted as I arrive as brand new.

Only a few know my real reason for

being here, and I am not one of them.

My memory does not include this place.

I recognize nothing and no one

except your face in the shadow.

I approach you in time to see

the silk of your flowered dress leaving….

I rush to see where you went, but

There is only a blank wall

no door where you stood.

I feel so alone in this group

until someone offers me a hug

and another smiles at me.

Another offers me a seat

and a cup of Earl Grey tea,

which somehow I remember is

my favorite, warming me my throat

and warms me all the way down.

My senses awake.

I taste the pastry offered me.

Saliva immediately awakens

as I savor the cherry filling

and my teeth chew the light pastry,

making me smile at people I am re-meeting

for the first time.