Welcome

It strikes me that you’ll arrive changed
not exactly more beautiful
or more powerful
or more calm
or more wary
only that you will arrive changed
as if this interval without seeing me
might have surprised you too
maybe because you know
how i think about you and inventory you

after all, nostalgia exists
though we might not cry on the platforms of fantasy
nor on the pillows of candor
nor under a dark sky

I reminisce
you reminisce
and it just infuriates me that he reminisces

your face is the vanguard
maybe it arrives first
because I paint it on the walls
with steady and invisible strokes

don’t forget that your face
looks at me like a people
smiles and yearns and sings
like a people
and this gives you
an inextinguishable light
now I’m sure
you’ll arrive changed, and with proof
with newness
with depth
with frankness

I know that I will love you without questions.
I know that you will love me without answers.

— Mario Benedetti