Putting Unwanted Feelings in Their Place

Putting unwanted feelings in their place

Grief, always the courtier

Knocked at my door

Asking to speak to the man of the house

But as I was indisposed

He understood and vowed to return later

While his less couth cousin – disquiet

Waiting at the curb

Without announcement

Intruded into my private space

Ransacking the place before

I could dial for help

When the authorities arrived

To make a report

I, interrupting business as usual

Made a case for choice in matters

Some say before abrupt changes

For sanguine solitude

To be promoted among the legislators

Sorry, said I, but willy-nilly upheaval is inopportune

Impertinent and calloused

And as they took notes I spoke with passion

Reminding them to look me in the eyes

As I made my case

After which, to my relief

They started to pack up and leave

Assuring me my message would be conveyed

Giving me back my night

Even begging my pardon

Upon knocking over a dear picture

As they retreated

I returned the likeness to where it belonged

But as soon as they left, that hollow feeling entered

The same door

Sitting down in my desk chair

Opening files on my computer

In fact, one I thought I had deleted

The one in which I had written

So movingly of permanence

Requited love

A separate peace

Sanctuary

I know grief, loneliness, separation

Or perhaps the dark king himself

Will return

And ask to speak to me again

But just maybe I won’t be home

Or suppose I am

But have insight afresh

Giving him an ear full?

I am feeling again in charge

Working out is paying off

These, these aliens and imposters

These ne’er do wells

Really, I don’t think

Want to mess with me