Guests Passing Through

Guests Passing Through
 
Anger. Fear. Shriveling self-doubt.
Although I cannot close
my door to you,
I do not have to give you 
the food from my table
 
Shame. Regret. Clinging attachment.
I will welcome you as guests
with painful gifts to offer,
but I do not have to turn down the bed
and invite you to stay.
 
Jealousy. Bitterness. Burning self-loathing.
You will arrive at the strangest of times,
but though you show up naked and cold
I do not have to give you
the shirt off my back.
 
You will pass through now and again. 
But you must remember there will be others.
And I will be keeping a table set for joy,
a guest bed warmed for forgiveness,
and two coats laid out for love.