Open House, by Alarie Tennille

White Doors, by Vilhelm Hammershoi (Denmark). 1905.

Open House
 
Can’t you imagine coming home
to this stately gem each night?
I let clients think I opened every single
door to let in light and show off
the stunning woodwork. Well below
market price – the owner took a job
overseas. For sale AS IS, so you can add
your personal touches.

Last night I closed each door. Today
they gaped wide open. As you wish,
I whispered. I’m leaving well enough
alone, afraid to do my morning walk
through.

A ribbon of cold air trails me, room
to room. I brought my collie, still leashed
to the porch rail ­– as far as she’d come.
Crossing my fingers this place sells today.
I’ll lower my commission if I have to.

Can’t you feel the history? I ask
the young couple, giving them my card.

Alarie Tennille
​
This poem was written for the surprise Halloween ekphrastic challenge.

Alarie’s latest poetry book, Waking on the Moon, contains many poems first published by The Ekphrastic Review. Please visit her at alariepoet.com.