Leave Your Shoes Inside the Front Door

i didn't get the news from anyone i know
it's not like i know them that well anymore
still, it would've been nice to know

your name was called very early
second sunday of may
happy mother's day
everyone is not ok

i thought how
every thought i thought
about her just wasn't fair
every time she thought
about me
only showed she cared


the other night i went on a journey
back to a place i used to know
everything was how i remembered
broadway tunes on the stereo


she said, don't forget to leave your shoes
just inside the front door
hang up your coat and
have a drink with me
i'm not sure when the rest of the family
will get here, or
if they'll be as happy to see you
my, it's been too long, son
welcome home


we had a long conversation about everything
in her eyes i sensed the disappointment
in mine, she knew the shame

she explained everyone, but her
stopped worrying years ago, asked
was there someplace nice to go
what have you got to show

i told her
every thought i thought
about you just wasn't fair
every time you thought
about me
only showed you cared


i left and came back later
a few things seemed out of place
the clock was stuck on ten after one
some of my memories had been erased


she said, don't forget to leave your shoes
just inside the front door
hang up your coat, and
have a drink with me
i'm not sure when the rest of the family
will get here, or
if they'll even say one word to you
my, it's been too long, son
welcome home


i didn't have an answer when
she asked what took so long
for ten years, i've been wanting to
god only knows why i was so afraid
to phone, to write, to say i'm sorry
well, i'm sorry
is it too late for one more i love you
she said i love you
i'll be here next time and everytime
you come around

one day, i'll find myself on that journey
but for now, i'm ok
i've got a great life because of her
i know i'll hear her say


don't forget to leave your shoes, right there
inside the front door
hang up your coat and
have a drink with me
i'm not sure if the family is coming together and
i hope they're as happy as i am to see you
my, it's been too long, son
welcome home

*i wrote this earlier this year after learning my mother had passed away. comments and critiques always welcomed.*

Very emotional. I like it a lot.