in houses we did not build,

we occupy rooms –

temporary tenure.

with purpose supposed,

we hang portraits of authority –

masters of what we can never truly own.

rigid –

we become –

to change.

influence to alter even the color of our conviction – disallowed.

God forbid a door left ajar!

access denied –

unless pre-approved –

requisition ratified.

and if –

somehow –

allowed entry –

disregard any inclination to linger.

there is no option of reciprocated accommodation.

your presence merely filler
to reconcile empty from an equation of existing – all alone…