Friendship Will not be Mentioned in this Poem

Empty, this house offers an authentic reception.

No racks of shoes to trip your concentration.

No fripperies, media to distract you from the host.

No soft furnishings to entice an outstaying

of your welcome. There is no fresh palette

to allure the senses. No playlist to influence

emotion or false aromas to colour first impression.

This house is as you see it, airy, a little worn,

even damp in places. The light it offers depends on when

you decide to view. In solitude this house has lost a little finesse,

a few manners perhaps, But overall is not without its charms.

With or without you, it retains its integrity and outlook.

This house does not exploit its secrets

it does not dramatise clues to the past.

Lives of former residents will be left to your imagination.

What you bring will be on your own conscience,

this house will only do what it can

to accommodate, how and when

you leave is negotiable.

This house does not come to you; but look, the door is open.