Without you,
the house would fall down.
The windows
would never be opened.
The grass would give way
to the thistles,
their faces
almost as beautiful as yours.
The doors would be open
at night.
The rain run through.
I would not notice.
I would sit in my chair
and wait for you.
Look for tracks in the snow.
Ask the birds
if they’ve seen you,
and stand by the door,
like a coat rack
waiting for your coat.
Your shoes placed by mine,
until I go away,
never to be seen again.