The low rumble of voices
ebb and flow like waves
breaking over me.  The words
on everyone’s tongue, familiar.
Competition banter, friendly
and warm, cuts over
rules explanations. Every person’s
outfit says something to the trained eye:
rainbow kilt, cosplay, beloved character
beaming from every direction.
Around every corner something
interesting. Would you like to learn?
Would you like to play?  May I sell 
you something that you hadn’t
imagined you needed?  
And the whole while, the cavernous
space fills with all kinds,
all here to experience, enjoy
themselves, meet new people,
drop the mask they wear.
To feel safe. To live.