I try to treat each guest with honor and reverence
But truth be told I have a preference
For those that make my heart smile and eyes flutter
At others, the idea of welcoming
Makes me shutter

I’ve learned that these, however
Are the ones, at times with violent fervor
Bring the greatest gifts of valor
And offer blessings of the human bind
The kind life ‘lessons’ temper, weather, or leave behind

The gifts of connection, depth, and conviction
Ones that strengthen the very beams
I use to exclude from permission
Making more beautiful the rooms they sweep through
Breaking down, dissolving the dust and mites
Previous generations so graciously requite

In those moment, I ask them to stay
For a moment so I can truly revel in the misery
That which I’ve held on so mightily

As I intended to keep them at bay
They clung ever so tightly, to all of me
Where in all secrecy
This way I preferred it to be

So these dark visitors came with flashlights
Shining into the corners and crevices
Where I wished to hide
The attics and basements filled with rememories

Re-memories that kept me comfortable
As if the drink of a poisoned chalice
Could warm my chest with
Feelings of false security

To my walls they clung
Or was I that did the clinging..

And to welcome the seedlings of their grief
Would be the cleaning of cleanings
The ones I hoped happier guests would bring
Instead like a wave of an ocean

They crashed down my doors
And violently swept through my house
Clearing it out, at last
I could lay down my sword and the fight

Oh what a delight