when we are invited to walk 
into the home of someone new,
we come in softly, sit on the seat shown
        sip on the cuppa offered
                and listen
—our mothers taught us this

we resist the urge to comment 
        upon cracks in walls
                and plaster that’s chipped
--we understand the occupant 
is surely aware of these 

we do not suggest when to start a remodel
        or what décor they should install
--we know this is not our place 

and above all, we would not pick up tools
open tubs of paint
        and push aside the owner 
                 to begin

we would never-ever do this
when visiting a home,
so why do we sometimes assume 
we can try to ‘fix’
        the heart and mind of another 
                uninvited?

Photo by Lena Polishko on Unsplash