The Most Important Person

Come in, come in! We’re glad you’re here.
My name is Jean, that’s Alice and Ron.
We’ll be starting the meeting soon —
have you been to one before? No?
Well, we’re honored to have you.
Your name’s Andy? Here come John and Ann.
Here’s a packet for you, helpful pamphlets.
This one tells you how welcome you are —
The newcomer is the most important person 

at any meeting, because we can only keep 
what we have by giving it away. 
We hope you’ll come regularly, for you and us.
Those who keep coming back to meetings 
find strength and hope beyond our wildest dreams.
Welcome. Welcome home!

A Cloud of Witnesses