A farm screen door latch
Should slam with the urgent drumming
Of a man or woman going off
On urgent business:
To see the cattle fed,
To till the fields,
To clang the dinner bell...
Should sing relentless songs,
Not stand and wait for days...
Sagging as the hinges sag,
Lonely in waiting ones who've left,
Forgetting to come back.

A door is meant
For entering and departing,
Handles on both sides.

A house that sees
no leavings nor returnings
Is kindred to coffins,
No longer home....