friendly, but not friends

you

want the neighbor to

be nice

and friendly,

quiet,

but not so nice as to invite

you over

for dinner,

or to sit in their yard

and chat

about life while

gulping beer,

an ample

distance apart

would suffice,

a wave

or two hello, a tip

of the hat.

maybe a brief

mention of the rain

or snow,

the wind.

but that's about it.

just a brief 

recognition of existence

is enough,

then both

of you go in

and close the door.