After the Party

I am home.
I close the door on the world.
But you are not here, and I am alone.
It has been a good party,
With good companions,
Rich talk and much laughter.
Food to enjoy and drink to enliven the mind.
People in pairs, married, courting, or lovers,
And others unattached or unaccompanied.
We talk of the world, of life, of work.
Of all the things we have in common.
But in the midst of friendship
I am alone, I look for you.
And now I am home and await your returning.
The house silent, the rooms empty.
I stand by the window and watch the dark world outside,
and I wait for you.

Janet Johnson

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