The Guest Poem by Franklyn Aubrey Mbale

That you grow I ensure
As you get older, I ensue
Experience is the teacher, I am the lesson
Drink of me and you are wise
Fill your inside with me or you are hollow
I am weakness leaving the body
Embrace me and you're strong
If you can't find me, you cannot be found
Unless you understand me you remain obscure
I've brought a gift but it's not wrapped in ribbons
Unlike the others, I have come without a mask
I intend to overstay my welcome, so I brought a pillow
Tonight I will take so much of your bed
And if the sun comes out tomorrow
You'll wish away my smell, but I will stay
You want less of me, but you need more
If you had the choice you'd not have invited me
But I am all you have now
You used to flirt with me from a distance, now you feel
Trying to ignore me only makes me more real
You doubt me, but I have come as a friend
And I will follow you to the end
I am pain, your unwanted guest
And as sad as it is true
I am all yours now