Who will visit this day
the inn that is your psyche, who
will extend their stay, who
will check out early perhaps,
and who will arrive expected
or just hoping for a place to stay
however briefly or long as you allow?
As the proprietor you can
turn away those you don’t wish
to entertain even for a day, anger
and his kin can be sent elsewhere.
And if compassion seeks
a long-term stay, grant it, for you
know payment will be forthcoming.
And memories may return for yet
another visit, changed from what
you recall from a prior stay, but still
recognizable as guests you have
always considered old friends you miss.
The No Vacancy sign has been
out of service for so long that you doubt
it could be repaired, and anyway,
what good is being an innkeeper
if you don’t want to always have
the chance to welcome new guests?