RSVP

Here – take this:
It’s an invitation to a gathering I’m not planning.

Come as you are.
Costumes are optional.
The timing is yet to be confirmed.
Food will be provided.
The music of our souls will play on repeat.

Come as you are.
Ring my doorbell and fall apart as your chair reaches the kitchen table.
Spill not only your tea, but your heartbreak and your tears, as minutes turn into hours.

Come as you are.
Answer my casual text of ‘Hey, how are you doing?’
with an avalanche of worries that have been plaguing you for weeks, for months.
No, it is not too much. It’s that little bear’s porridge from the story. It is just right.

Come as you are.
Write to me in ALL CAPS, in the middle of my workday, and fire out the elation that hit you as life finally handed you exactly what you’ve been longing for.
My heart will flutter, and I will leave those around me to wonder why I smile for no apparent reason.

Come as you are.
Unmask your fears and let them bare their teeth as we sit by the ocean and silently curse its calm waters.
Why won’t its waves swell and crash like the sorrow inside us?
Stupid sea. Stupid sunshine. Let’s walk back home.

Come precisely as you are.
Let your confusion and uncertain words take over the conversation, although we met to watch a movie and eat popcorn.
The movie’s over. The popcorn remains. The evening awaits.

Oh – don’t forget to RSVP.
Respond whenever your heart beckons you.
The timing is still to be decided; the doors are wide open.
There is always a seat at the table and enough to go around.

Keep your invitation tucked inside your pocket and hand it to us as your world comes crashing down.

Here, we are all guests of honour.
And we are honoured that you showed up.

Come just as you are.
Hang your coat up at the door, and show your innermost self right inside, please.

We have blankets and we’re not afraid to use them.

We have time and we’re not afraid to spend it with you.

We have love, which grows and grows the more we are gifted with the chance to share it.

Your banquet awaits.
You can never be too early, or too late.
Just come as you are – broken down and afraid, or confident and free,
Brimming with words unspoken, filled with joy or heartbroken...

Your banquet awaits.
There is always a place.
No, you’re not disturbing.
You are welcome, and deserving.

Come as you are,
And come back again soon.
The doors will be open, love,
And there’s always room.

Photo by Andrew Dunstan on Unsplash