Houseguests

Houseguests

the Shoulds and Guilts knocked on my door,

long-time neighbors, they.

so prim and proper, dressed to the hilt,

heads held high ... righteous

i welcome them in,

offered them a glass of heady wine,

chatted, gossiped,

discussed surpassing the Joneses

oxygen seeped from the room

leaving me feeling so very small,

knowing i could not fulfill

such vain and grand schemes

another knock -- my neighbors, the Mercies

over from next door, with packages.

home-baked bread, sweet jam,

butter and tea to share at our klatch

they, too, i welcomed in,

offered them a place to sit,

invited them to partake, and

all were lifted by comfort-filled discourse

light filled the room, warmth

and delicious fresh air.

the Mercies, giving life to the party,

allowed all to simply Be