Isn't it curious—

just before selling

we dutifully paint

neglected walls,

replace trodden carpets,

patch leaks that plagued

for years; seed lawns,

plant flowers.

And isn't it curious

how we wait until those

last ember moments before

letting go a loved one

to tap our guarded souls,

reveal our hidden hearts,

and, like blood from the wrist,

let feelings flow.