COME IN

by Dan Shegrud

November 2014

“Hello, my friend.  Why look so glum?  What troubles are you running from?

Your face is pinched, your lips are blue.  You must be cold, and hungry too.

Come lay your burdens on my floor, and find some peace inside my door,

Then join me for a bite to eat, my table teems with bread and meat

I’ll never enter through your door.  My kind ain’t welcome on your floor.

I’ve heard your speech a time or…ten.  I’m staying out, ain’t coming jn.

You got no cause to hassle me and I don’t need no charity,

So I refuse to buy your line.  I ain’t your friend, and you ain’t mine.

Hold on there, please, don’t run away, don’t close your ears to what I say.

I’ve watched you struggle down the road and know the nature of your load. 

The pain you feel? It’s nothing new.   I’ve been there, pal – I’ve felt it too.

Come in, come in, and rest your feet.  Come in, my friend, let’s sit and eat.  

Just sit and eat, and that’s your plan?  You’re off the wall.  You’re dreaming, man.

This fantasy you throw at me – it fixes nothing.  Wait and see.

Your sympathy makes you a fool.  I won’t be tricked ‘cause I’m no tool.

You want to help? Then come with me.  Feel what I feel, see what I see.

Like I said I’ve been there, felt that, walked where you walked, sat where you sat

I know how hard your life can seem, but peace is more than some mere dream.

I’ve overcome adversity, and offer you a chance to see

That life and peace can co-exist.  Come in, come in, please don’t resist.

So say I do, I walk right in, I sit and eat - what happens then?

I might get robbed, you might get rough, I might get hurt, lose all my stuff.

I might become a prisoner, with you my executioner,

Or worst of all you’ll preach at me, which means your meal will not be free.

Come in or don’t, the choice is yours.  It’s cold outside, it’s warm indoors,

But maybe you’re not ready yet to share with me the feast I’ve set,

So let me send with you this lunch, and someday soon, I have a hunch

That life will lead you here again, and maybe then you’ll come on in.

I won’t say yes, I won’t say no.  Just passing through.  I gotta go.

As for that lunch, I won’t think twice.  Some food right now would sure be nice.

Just don’t wait up, ‘cause odds are thin I’ll ever come this way again.

But…I don’t know...I might come back…depends on what is in that sack.

Then take it, friend – my gift to you.  Enjoy it as you’re passing through,

And when you stop to eat and rest, remember me and my request.

Though trouble overwhelms your day, and refuge feels so far away,

Inside my home you need not fear.  I call you friend – you’re welcome here.]