Jester’s Song Poem by Gabrielle Ciarann Roniyah Baer

Am I welcome here, now?
Or must I travel on?
I’ve been traveling so far, now
And yes, I can go on.
Am I welcome here, now?
I don’t take anyone’s place,
I’ve been hiding for so long now
I take up little space

I’m not the one you sought here,
I can’t be him, I know,
I’m not the one you want here,
I’m used to that, it’s so.
I’m not the one you loved here
And there, and there and there,
I’ve never known that kind of love,
I couldn’t, it was never shared

This world is new for me, now
I’d like to take a chance
The world I left is gone, now
It turns to an altered dance.
I had only one friend there
Grief drove him mad, so long ago
I see him in your eyes, here
But held at bay, as you will it so.

Will I be welcomed here, now
Or chased away by grief and pain
Can I be welcomed here, now?
Or sent to search the world again?
Will I find a new home, here?
Or just some shelter from the storm?
Can I make my new home here?
The sky seems brighter, the sun more warm

Am I welcome here, now?
Or must I travel on?
Will you welcome me, now?
Or steadfastly, refuse the bond?
You didn’t know the one you’ve lost;
On meeting, in your younger days,
You grew to know the man he was,
And cherished all his unique ways.

May I be welcome here, now?
I come, with clownish hat in hand
And if I’m welcome here, now
I’ll gladly help.
Who leads this band?


02/12/99