The prompt for what's Going on is to write a poem exploring "Openings" or "Closings."
Inner Houses
I was opening my door
and people came in
some with dirty boots,
trampling through it
without understanding
the fragile architecture
of my inner life.
Some came simply
to warm themselves
by the fire.
I let them.
Our inner houses
don’t need to be locked
just because others are different.
We can allow each other
a glimpse of the furniture.
Some pieces will be admired
because they awaken a memory.
Others will be rejected
because they stir something
uncomfortable, unfinished.
Still, this is how we feed each other:
by seeing new angles,
new designs,
new ways a room can be arranged.
And sometimes we leave
with a small idea tucked in a pocket,
something that enriches us,
or enriches the other,
or quietly rearranges
a corner of the soul.
I love this so much, especially the small ideas tucked in pockets, that people carry away.
ReplyDeleteFrom the title to the last word---Wow! Love every word of the poem, Marja.
ReplyDelete"Our inner houses
don’t need to be locked
just because others are different.
We can allow each other
a glimpse of the furniture."---My favorite lines.
I love the idea of having an inner, open door - and especially liked the small idea tucked in your pocket - wonderful! Jae
ReplyDeleteA beautiful poem about new openings be it a room, the heart, the mind or the inner sanctum of a human soul.
ReplyDeleteParticipaste lindamente e gostei muito de ver essa casinha e suas aberturas!
ReplyDeletebeijos, ótimo dia, chica
What a creative take on the prompt! I like the idea of people sharing their inner houses, allowing each other to glimpse the 'inner furniture.' If we are open to each other, we can share / learn so much! Lovely poem.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem!
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully expressed, Marja.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the thought of leaving with a little idea tucked away--it feels so true to how we share pieces of ourselves.
It is distressing that we seem to have abandoned the simple maxim “Live and let live”, let alone embrace and enjoy the companionship and joy of others. All are welcome in my inner house.
ReplyDelete"Still, this is how we feed each other . . . "
ReplyDeleteI relate! What a beautiful unique poem! I love the visual imagery from muddy shoes to that idea pocket.
This is so beautiful, Marja! Very well stated.
ReplyDelete...I come in with dirty boots too often!
ReplyDeleteMe gusto tu poema. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteDear Marja, I think it takes a lot of courage to even "let" those people who trample all over your fragile inner world with dirty boots.
ReplyDeleteI certainly let people into my inner world, but I draw the line with the "tramplers." Many more are welcome to warm themselves by my fire 😉 And yes, sharing insights with one another can definitely enrich everyone... (it's just that, in my experience, the tramplers are often incapable of learning...)
All the best from Austria 🤗
Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2026/06/reisebericht-2025-wilder-pazifik-und.html
And sometimes we leave
ReplyDeletewith a small idea tucked in a pocket,
Very true Marja, good observation! Seeing is believing and in the process a lot of learning.
Hank
Lovely! I wish more people would leave happy breadcrumbs when they enter my head space. I wouldn't need to vacuum them up. I'd leave them for the birds. They'd feed my soul.
ReplyDelete"And sometimes we leave
ReplyDeletewith a small idea tucked in a pocket,
something that enriches us,
or enriches the other,
or quietly rearranges
a corner of the soul."
I love the use of the furniture, and the people who enter.