Guest Check

i left the restaurant

just as I found it

empty, but warm

cozy, inviting

held up by smiles that

picked me up when I was lost

not feeling seen or respected

slowly but surely

they changed my view

of myself

my aspirations

i became forgiving of my path

i became present

understood

the loudest thunder

that's enveloped me

in a while

greets me on my way out the door—

an omen or bell of finality—

one of those iMovie transition sound effects

paired with a borrowed broken umbrella

i'm soaked by the time

i slither into my car

some sort of rebirth