It's been covered 
by that christmas tablecloth 
for years. 
You remember... 
the one with the large poinsettia pattern 
directly in the middle,  
with the cranberry stains decorating 
sporadic spots along the border. 
 
I almost forgot it was here. 
I always hoped somehow a magic trick 
would be performed while I was away 
and it would disappear before I returned. 
 
The years have passed for me 
yet as I do the unceremonious unveiling 
time seems to spiral backwards until 
I'm sitting on the floor 
drowning in a flood of memories. 
 
Yet,  
no more tears come. 
Time to clean house. 
No more tablecloths to cover the pain. 
No more boxes to tuck away 
the memories that are better off forgotten. 
No more excuses for not visiting this place. 
No more. 
 
This space is clean now 
and will remain that way. 
Clear of the cobwebs and dust 
that have been clouding my vision 
for too many years. 
The heavy velvet curtains give a groan 
(or is it a cheer?)  
as they're thrown open. 
Finally, the sun can shine through 
and the warmth can be felt 
by a heart that was unsure it deserved 
to feel the warmth of the sun. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thank you Michael, for making me feel worthy of the sun's warmth.
Mary Nagy
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/time-to-clean-house-for-michael-shepherd-2/