Michael Shepherd - 0110 Visiting Billy Collins

The gate opens easily -
someone's oiled it quite recently.
There's fresh gravel on the path
this winter day.
There's a dog kennel out there and
a single warning bark from inside the house but
your shins are safe.
Those neighbours of his seem
quiescent today..
The doormat has said
WELCOME for
some frayed years now.
There are lights on and
the door opens quickly although
they weren't expecting you so soon.

'How about a walk around after
coffee, this crisp morning?
Just as far as you like? There's
lots to show you..'

We walk further than
I intended, laughing
over the word
'accessible'.

Michael Shepherd

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/0110-visiting-billy-collins/