a place unlived in

how different is a house
unloved,
unkept, no curtains hung,
no paint
of any color
but white.
no rug spread below
the feet of chairs,
a table.
a simple sofa
beside the window.
how unlived in is the place
without
a kind hand
to hammer a nail
and center a picture
over the mantle.
winslow would do, or
just a vase
with fresh flowers.
at night without lights
you would think
it makes no difference,
but it does,
more so as you find
your way up
the dusty staircase.