Karen L. Oberst, Freelance Writer - Poetry - Tale of Two Houses

Tale of Two Houses
by Karen L. Oberst

Two houses side by side;

    Dark and secret;
    Windows covered with the grime of years;
    Owners brooding inside

The window washer smiled, knocked on the first door.
The owner frowned. "Go away, go away."
"You don't like, you don't pay."
"I don't like. Go away."

The window washer smiled, knocked on the next door.
The owner frowned. "Go away, go away."
"You don't like, you don't pay."
"Very well, have it your way."

Light crept in

    to his house
    to his soul.
"Oh, thank you, sir! What do I owe?
"First, let me clean the inside too."
"Oh yes, oh yes! Come in, do!"

"Sir, it's wonderful! What do I owe?
"Just this:

    Look out your windows;
    See those who need;
    Welcome the ones passing by;
    Keep your windows clean;
    And offer to clean your neighbors.

Two houses side by side;

    One dark and silent; brooding;
    One blazing with light, joyful; and
    Bright as a city set on a hill.

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Karen L. Oberst
PO Box 585
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
koberst@faith-writer.com
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This page last updated January 19, 2008.