The Inner Circle
By
Kelly M. Kirkpatrick

Welcome
To the inner circle.
Hello,
I am the chairman of the board.
I would like to extend a cordial invitation
To you my friend.
Are you my friend?

We had a conversation -
Lasted just about a year,
When we were young and foolish,
But now autumn feels near.
I need to know you biblically.
I need to share my name.
I know that I could love you,
But I couldn't stand the pain.
So we wake in the morning
With the dawn's light in our eyes.
We are searching for the covers
And our lovers' alibis.
We eat our food in silence,
Never crave a word.
I kiss you in the doorway
As I drag myself to work.
I think I love you.

Welcome
To the inner circle.
Hello,
Are you the chairman of the board?
Would you please extend a cordial invitation
To a new friend?
Am I your friend?

So now the conversation is over.
Now I eat my breakfast by myself.
I only wish that I could have told her,
But now she'll have to find out for herself.
We must trust one another.
We must put aside all of our doubts.
We might even find someone we can live with,
And that is what this story is about.

Welcome
To the inner circle.
You will find there is no chairman of the board,
Just a gathering of brave, but lonely people
Who have entered here of their own accord.