Saltzman House Party, 2001-2003

What we build here is guaranteed.
It is brick and rings the battle cry
of broken promises,
friends come and gone,
made and lost.
And if you walk inside
it is quiet with surprise
and loud with regret.

Dinner is at 8:00
and the beer is always chilled.
Sit down, relax
the furniture invites you with open arms
and cozy conversation.
Save your questions for the kitchen.
He is more informative than his fellows
and the leaking roof, his jealous companion will not detest you.
If nerved by the guilty comrades go to the porch
where the old armchair and maple leaves are inviting
and happy for your company.

Because the outside
is never cold like is brethren.
It doesn't reek with the odor
of bittersweet resentment
and uncanny cynicism.

It lets you alone
to empty your newfound drink
and talk of what it means
to find happiness
in solitude.