Our Friend, the 29th

You act like a regular here,
as if nobody noticed
how little your company
crosses with ours.
While you were evasive,
the past four years
went on despite you.
I guess that's just life.
Still, it seems a shame
certain small children
are forced to choose
one or another
in light of your absence.
No substitute works.
And just when they're
used to a second rate
option, you're back
without warning.
You stand there expecting
a welcoming cheer.
It's just like you,
leap year.