New Neighbor in the City
Your blinds are drawn --
they finally came!
I live next door
20 feet away.
Our shrub is trimmed
this side anyway --
my welcome to you
on a sunny day.
An odd, but common arrangement--
at home, in our many rooms --
proximity with privacy;
we all live quite alone.
The leaves hang up tight in the trees,
holding back their autumn splash.
You arrived just in time for our block party;
we welcomed you at last.
But we’ve yet to see your colors --
will you be removing your mask?
Or will you keep your blinds drawn down--
sticking to private tasks?
This is life in the city, as I see it,
options, many as the stars --
neighbors, a dog’s-walk away -- or
anonymously passing in cars.
I see you’ve got a new mailbox!
The old name has been set free.
We heard you play the bassoon --
did I tell you my cat loves reeds?
Your blinds are drawn --
they look just great!
I live next door –
twenty feet away.
