Where's Emma?

After 361 interminable days,
The GBHQE has reconvened.
The aroma of Black Hills Spruce
greets us as we step from the car.
We rush in to get our bags.
We greet and hug.
Lots of laughter and smiles,
but something is missing.
Some indefinable sparkle
is gone from the air.
We roam the hall
renewing old friendships
and making new.
We try to identify what
has changed to no avail.
More hugs, more laughter.
Than someone says,
"Where's Emma?"
Those in the area are puzzled.
No one knows.
The group circulates
looking for elusive Emma,
But Emma is not to be found.
At last the quest,
"Where's Emma?"
is finished.
Word circulates quietly
to be met with disbelief.
Emma is not attending
this year.
Our quilt's turned wonky,
the points don't match,
the binding's wavy.
Come back, Emma.
We need you!