Invisible Privacy

This neighbor of sorts

Bears a resident

Who hasn’t been visible on his porch

For long before the neighbors maintained watch

On the postman of unfailing promptness

 Delivering his Social Security

The next-door feline of suspicious nature

As well as the resident squirrel peering

Were always aware of his presence

Yet…

Of late

Draperies drawn during the day

Unlit windows at night

Porch-swing continually unused

And layered leaves of fall

With chained garage

And weathered car gathering dust

Made the Norman Rockwell like picture complete

So…

Those of busybody nature

Suspect he is spying on them

From peek-holes in his threadbare curtains

Looking at them

Through the windows of their cars as they pass

Or their nightly stroll with covert eyes

And leashed dogs straining for the scent

Occasionally…

An odd swirl of wind through the trees

Makes the intrusive minds imagine voices

Where in truth

Such doesn’t exist

So it goes for neighborhoods

Resisting change

Fearful psyches

Hanging their faded flag

Feeling entitled to things

Remaining as they had once been

Such are those…

Denying the man whose changes

Continue to haunt their intruding eyes

As he continues to enjoy his invisible privacy

As a man of color

Who has earned his rights.

Such peace can never be denied