staging

the empty house.
staged
for the new buyers,
if they like the yard,
the roof,
the parking,
the way the toilets flush,
the oven heats.
there's
a red couch against one wall.
a plant on the sill.
a picture
of an ocean, waves
lapping
under a silvery moon.
small things.
a vase,
an indigo jar
that catches light.
there are
place mats on the table
as if
dinner is about
to be served.
no one cares about any of that.
does the house
sing.
does it feel
right, is this a place
I can sleep
and feel safe
at night.