You're Expected Here

Put that little speech away

You check your phone, then check the doorway
Your friend is late; you came alone
I see you trying on a smile
And looking halfway toward the road
Your name is written on my clipboard
You spell it; I already know
I turn the page so you can see it
Then point to where your coat can go

You don't have to arrive already fearless
Just arrive; we'll take it slow

You're expected here
Your name in ink, a space kept clear
No better story, no disguise
You're expected here tonight

Inside, the woman in borrowed denim
Makes a space beside her chair
You leave your coat but keep your phone out
Then miss a buzz you wouldn't have before
I see you through the open doorway
Learning half the words by two
Your friend arrives; you wave her closer
And make the introductions first

You're expected here
Your name in ink, a space kept clear
No better story, no disguise
You're expected here tonight

At leaving time, another person
Stands the way you stood before
You stop and say, "It's lovely in there"
Then wait with them beside the door

You're expected here
Look how far one welcome goes
Now you're making room for someone
Who almost turned around for home

Expected here
Just as you came

Expected here
Just as you came

You're expected here
Go on in