HOME ALONE

The lights are on but there’s nobody in,
no one else here but me.
I’m rattling around all on my own, bodging about
all by myself, raising a racket, acting the part,
checking security down in the basement,
disturbing the cobwebs, there in the dark.

Like Kevin McCallister when he set all those traps,
when he rigged up those dummies,
and put on some music to be sure those burglars
believed his whole family was with him.

I’m having a party, having a ball, convincing myself,
more than anyone else.
I’m surrounded by pictures, keepsakes and trinkets.
It’s my way of keeping the memories alive, keeping
them close, keeping them safe, to stop time
from stealing the best of my thoughts.

When I close my eyes, I’m here with them all,
with everyone I’ve ever been here with before,
seeing their shadows dance on these walls.