[Julie Steiner]

Hospitality DRAFT FOUR (plus a tweak to L2):

“You’re welcome. Here!” I leave the tray.
My daughter and her friends all cheer.
I never miss a chance to say
     You’re welcome here.

I make that mantra reappear

so repetition might convey
what might offend if made too clear:

Hey, Matt. I’m pretty sure you’re gay.
Your dad won't take it well, I fear.

If you’re disowned, or run away,
     you’re welcome here.


L2 was: My daughter and her nerd-tribe cheer.


Hospitality DRAFT THREE, plus tweaks to L2 and L8:

“You’re welcome. Here!” I leave the tray.
My daughter and her best friends cheer.
I never miss a chance to say
     You’re welcome here.

I make that mantra reappear

so repetition might convey
what might offend if made too clear:

Hey, Matt. I think you might be gay.
Your father’s discipline’s severe.

If you’re disowned, or run away,
     you’re welcome here.


L2 was: My daughter and her besties cheer.
L8 was: Hey, Paul! I’m pretty sure you’re gay.


Hospitality DRAFT TWO

“You’re welcome. Here!” I leave the tray
for Caroline to commandeer.
She’ll serve her four best friends and say,
     “You’re welcome here.”

She’ll make that mantra reappear
so repetition might convey
what might offend if made too clear:

Hey, Kevin. We suspect you’re gay.
Your father’s discipline’s severe.

If you’re disowned, or run away,
     you’re welcome here.


Hospitality DRAFT ONE

“You’re welcome. Here!” I leave the tray.
My daughter and her buddies cheer.
I never miss a chance to say
     You’re welcome here.

I’ve made that mantra reappear

so repetition might convey
what might offend if made too clear:

My gut says one of you is gay.
Your father’s discipline’s severe.

If you’re disowned, or run away,
     you’re welcome here.


L2 was: My daughter and her buddies cheer.
later: My daughter's hungry buddies cheer.
then reverted to: My daughter and her buddies cheer.