The powers that be are here
at last. They arrived
yesterday evening,
materialized
from an unholy fog and
settled right in.
They made themselves comfy
on my old fold-out bed
and went on to spread their
personal hygiene materials
all around the bathroom.
Should we ask
how long they’re planning to
stay,
drop hints about three-star
hotels in the area?
You’d probably be much more comfortable in your own
place,
don’t you think?
With a typical lack of
self-assertiveness,
I neglect to bring up the
subject. Fresh towels, there
in the linen closet.
Do you need a washcloth as
well? Everything ok?
Please do make yourselves
quite at home – no,
no bother at all.
Wouldn’t think of letting
you stay anyplace
except right here.
(Originally appeared in In Parentheses)
