welcome mat

and i’m sorry i didn’t let you stand your ground

but after you ripped our red rug from under me

let me stumble down to my knees

i knew it wasn’t you and i who were meant to be

it was the front door with the chip on the paint that your mom made when she brought in a new red chair

where i left to my first day of work in the bright red dress you never liked

where you brought her in through in your favorite color

and i could never let you speak for yourself

when its always been your hands who do all the talking

turning the door knob

turning yourself away from me

turning yourself into someone i do not know

i know enough now to get up and leave

there's no shame in that

only shame in my taste in decor

our welcome mat was too inviting