We come if ‘welcome’,
If not, we will not,
After all, we aim to please you
And serving is our lot.
Only where ‘welcome’
Is where we will go,
You have the right to affiliation
And that right we know.
We strive not to offend
But rather, to satisfy,
And your privacy is your right
Which we won’t deny.
We come if ‘welcome’
Is our stated policy,
We won’t turn up unannounced
At anybody.
That ‘l’ is important
One finds in welcome
And if it is unilaterally ignored,
It becomes we come.
That is presumptuous
As in “we have the right”!
No, my erudite learned friend
That right is might.
“Ever so welcome,
Wait for a call”
Used to be neighbourly advice
Adopted by all.
So, we come if ‘welcome’
Is there for all,
We won’t take any for granted
But wait for a call.
Stewart Russell © April 23, 2025
