An Invitation to Stay While

                                              I saw the strangest thing today

                                                 While walking all alone.

                                               A garden for the dead it was,

                                                Though slightly overgrown.

                                          It welcomed me with a friendly warmth

                                                 Like none I had back home.

                                                But once inside I felt a chill

                                                    Seep down into my bone.

                                               The tea set out on a silver tray

                                                  Had long ago grown cold.

                                         Ants covered thick the sour grapes

                                                     Even the air was old.

                                            For years and years this party sat

                                                         Waiting for a jig.

                                          But the dancers tired of it all so quick,

                                               Their sorrow grown too big.

                                           I felt this place was not without

                                                 Its share of souls alive.

                                         But a body with both flesh and blood

                                             In this place could not survive.

                                         With shock and wonder I understood

                                               They wanted me to stay.

                                            It took a while to think it through

                                                  Before I went my way.

                                             Whether I was right or wrong

                                              To leave the way I came

                                            I know if I should change my mind

                                               The place will be the same.