learned fear

as the  two
men work. ladders angled upon
the house,

and the new windows go in,
as the old

ones go out.
I offer water.

I tell them i'll be back.
I think of

hiding things of value.
but why?

there is nothing here
that

can't be replaced.
and why wouldn't I trust

these two strangers?
what is it about us that we
suspect

that we fear?

learned, perhaps.