Empty Rooms

Whatever happened to the people who used to live here?

Are they under the carpet?

Are they in the attic?

Are they behind the mirror or inside the walls?

Do they still hide beneath the floorboards?

Don’t they know they can come out now?

That the danger is past?

That the children can play?

That the lovers can love?

That once more fearless voices can rise above a whisper?

Has no one informed them?

And don’t they know I’m waiting?
Lord, have they forgotten the living?