hospitality

there is a saying in europe
about american hospitality

“come visit me anytime” means
“when it is convenient for me”

i thought you were different
but now that i am inconvenient

one side of your mouth smiles
the other rescinds all offers

i will make a deal with you
i will pretend not to notice

your end of the bargain is to
someday shut up and walk away

About Halsted M. Bernard

Halsted, a/k/a cygnoir, does stuff with words. Her favourite things to do with words are keeping this diary, writing stories, and organising information. She lives in Edinburgh with her husband, two cats, a few gadgets, several fountain pens, and many books.

Posted on 10 Dec 2004 in Writing
  • http://www.livejournal.com/users/michael_va Michael

    It’s the norm.

    Not to notice

    is a clause

    in the social contract.

    Breach

    and you’ll be

    persecuted.