Oh scarlet door,
what lies beyond your brightly painted panels?
Do you lock yourself to safely seal your secrets?
What mysteries are waiting to be discovered

in the nooks and crannies of the chambers behind you?
Are you shut close, aloof, wary or afraid ...
of unbidden strangers,
of unwelcome neighbours who might come calling at your doorstep ----
and sniff the stew simmering on your stove?

-Jennifer Melendez-Penaflor