You were impressed seven years ago
when you were young and silly and easy
to drink under the table
and off of your feet.
You thought I was something
then.
You saw me
as something to aspire to
or so your words suggested
for I was always one
adept at interpreting implications.

You thought I was amazing.
I was not.
I was confused.
I was dangerous.
I hurt you
in slight ways
because I didn’t know
to treat you better
so we couldn’t last long.

But now
after such time
I see you’re back from outer space
and I’m the one impressed.
You look great
but you always will
while I still have a face for radio
but
to know what you’ve accomplished
in this time:
the books
the videos
the programs…
we are seven years apart
but you are worlds away
from what you were
and you were always remarkable.

I haven’t changed
or left.
I’m still the same
and going nowhere. You
have been everywhere
and back again.
I know my words of praise
may mean little now but
I’m glad to see you.

Welcome back.