Painted Lady

Something you must know
about falling in love
with me

before you weave
that final thread
that binds your heart
to mine

before I give you
the key to the door
and firm up
the terms of the lease

I am not just
the person
you have met
and learned to love
like a gingerbread house
set back from the sidewalk
window boxes waiting
for your flowers
shutters open
tempting a glance within

I am every person
I have ever been
and everyone
I have ever been with

There are pieces
of my history
that are immovable
great white columns
holding up the roof
of my sanity
and yet there are
things in my soul
that can be shifted about
to accommodate you
if you decide to move in

You will have to mind
the secret sliding doors
that may contain
unusual occupants
animal
vegetable
mineral
spiritual

If you embrace them
as part of the decor
you are welcome
to bring your own
eclectic flair
into the mix

carve out your own space
with your own comfy chair

find an empty cup hook
for your special mug

But please do not expect
things to ever be new
even after polishing
you will still be sharing
a space
where others have dwelled
and though you
will have the pride
of presence
and my heart will feel
like home

part of its ultimate beauty
is that love built it
and each contributor
left echoes
in my structure

(c) RCGA 2015