Welcome

When I walk in,

I hear “welcome” a thousand times.

I’m nervous and my hands shake.

“Welcome”

I look all around and find where to get out.

“Just in case,” I tell myself.

I always seem to have this problem.

New places. New faces.

“Welcome”

The part where things change.

The part where I run away.

My mom always told me it was okay.

“Everyone is scared of change,” she says,

But mom isn’t here now, is she?

“Welcome.”

My heartbeat speeds up,

I curse myself inside.

“I’m here to make friends,” I think,

“I didn’t come this far to hide.”

“Welcome.”

But I know the real me isn’t good enough,

So I keep her inside.