When guilt knocks on the door of your house
Author: Abdur Rehman Khan
Don't pretend that you aren't home.
Let her come inside
ask her for tea
and not just as a formality in sheer hollowness!
Let her feel that it is safe in your home
that her secrets are safe.
Don't judge her on her apparel
talk to her
if she becomes silent don't force her.
During uncomfortable pauses
distract her with banter.
Let her
touch the expensive paintings
make a tiara of flowers plucked from delicate vines
skid on the slippery bathroom floor.
Let her adore herself in the big mirror of the living room.
Play with her.
When she gets tired, let her sleep.
And if you get tired from all this hosting
then gently wake her up
and whisper to her
“guilt I've some work now
if you want to stay then there's a vacant room on the ground floor.
You can come inside the next time without ringing the bell.
We'll meet.
Take care.”