Homecomings By Richard Porter

Homecomings 
for Daniel Valentine 

Departure catalyzes change 
in both the leaving and the left. 
Return the same, you’ll return strange, 
estranged and stranded in the cleft. 

Bereft of news, of information, 
you’ll lack the touch of transformation, 
will offer nothing to exchange. 
You may return, but do so changed. 

Richard Porter is but a lowly reference clerk who jumps rope with the Kansas/Missouri border. His work has appeared in The Asses of Parnassus, Better Than Starbucks, and the occasional square of toilet paper stuck to your shoe.