No thanks

Please feel free to sit on our porch
said my across-the-street neighbor
While we're on vacation at the beach.

I looked at the lovely outdoor furniture
and the freshly painted floor
and posts and railing

Thanks, I said
and watched them leave their driveway
and head down the street toward Avalon

This morning I came out my door
for my morning coffee
and porch time ritual

I looked at my rusty chairs
my mosquito coil and candles
my peeling gray floor paint

I can not consider
leaving this shabby holy place
not even for one morning of luxury

I might miss something.

7/26/15