Marilisa has been long gone
her life a lightless night
she's always been right here
but lost in plain sight
it's time for her to
come on home now
long passed time in fact
but she doesn't know how
she knows outside looking in
seeing not having, wishing to view
but never given any room
sorry full up, nothing for you
her mat read "Unwelcome"
So she learned to keep small
to use the servant's entrance
do their jobs, do them all
excluded, left out
except for work hard
nothing more than a tool
left to rust in the yard
she quit wishing then hoping
never wanting any more
when did wishing ever
make them open the door?
she doesn't know where to enter
only where the exit is
she doesn't understand welcome
let alone that she is
she got used to going solo
accustomed to hurt and scare
well ferberized, left to fend
cries unheard, needs given no care
now she's never not worried
so we have to tread with care
if we startle her, she'll bolt
and run off, all fears laid bare
but she really should come in
we want her in here
it's well past her time
we must make her hear
maybe if we call real soft
and leave the door ajar
she'll creep out and find it open,
and come in to where we are
Let's see if she'll answer
she's so scared she may run away
but if we're gentle and patient
hopefully she just might stay
So "Marilisa, come home
it's safe and warm inside
we don't want you alone
it's so dangerous outside
you'll catch your death
it's freezing tonight
this winter's bone cold
won't you come to firelight?
Come home, come right now
this is your home dear
no unwelcome house of others
with no heat, bed nor love near
There's plenty room for you
a loving, glad place to be
a Marilisa shaped space
that none can fill but thee
no angry adults to please
you please us enough,
you're fine as you are sweets
time to quit sleeping rough
here it's right side round
adults for YOU cheer
moms mother and dad's dad
and kids are just kids here
you don't have to earn or pay
your money here's no good
it's all freely given, little child
just as it always should
come to your place at the table
fill a plate and take your seat
it's all for you and you're hungry
so hurry up, come and eat
Here's your bed soft and cozy
with Jo-Jo, blankie and bear
they're all waiting just for you
they've made a nest for you there
Your Jesus night light is on
no need to worry or fear
climb in, snuggle up it's okay
I'm always ready and near
God, me and the angels
will keep watch as you sleep.
float away to dreamland
and may your dreams always be sweet
We'll listen to hear if you wake
or cry out in the night
I'll run to comfort and soothe
so rest your head and sleep tight