Welcome Mat Removed

I’ve played the fool for far too long

convinced you were my home.

It’s been made clear my heart was wrong

now onward I must roam.

*

You stored your mess and clutter,

in the attic of my mind.

Boxes of stale memories,

are all you’ve left behind.

*

You lumbered down the hallway,

floor boards shrieking in your wake.

You left the oven heat on high,

Sat and ate your cake.

*

You opened all the windows,

the wind began to wail.

All the lights came crashing down

in darkness, you prevailed.

*

Your scent soaked into linens,

your fingers smudged the mirror,

you mucked it up

then left with a shrug

no worries, pain, or fear.

*

My house it sits in shambles,

the rugs all bleached with tears.

If I ever get this stain off my wool

it’ll take the rest of my years.

*

So don’t come by the neighborhood,

you aren’t invited back.

I bolted the door,

disposed of the key,

removed the welcome mat.

*

The clock it keeps on ticking,

although at tortoise pace,

I stare straight at the ceiling

with no feelings on my face.

*

I sit in deafening silence,

and marinate alone.

Where once stood a happy home,

resides a pile of wood and bone.

*

A note from the author - this poem was written for the "Homecoming" challenge to share a poem about what home means to you. There are times in our lives when we feel disconnected from our home. This poem is about one of those difficult moments.