This Place

It is winter and I have aged considerably

since last spring. With that said, I haven’t

bothered to clean this place for months

on end. Oh, I’ve had lots of time to do so,

just not the energy or will.

You are the first visitor the dogs and I have

had in quite some time. When I get disgusted

with the dust and dirt I pretend I am a hermit

living in a cabin in the remote wilds of Alaska,

a place where it is unruly and earthy all the time.

There is no need trying to keep anything but

the cold outside. Here, the Earth holds claim

on everything inside and out the same. Don’t

mind the mess. At my age and in this time,

I surrender to Mother Earth and her ways.

So, come in please and add some warmth and

charm to this aging place in soulful disarray.

Take off your coat and hat and have a seat;

no need to worry about wiping your feet. The

dogs and I no longer bother, why should you?

Chris Hanch  1-18-16