in my absence I will ask
that a few things be cared for

primarily the hanging vines
the sun starved plants
will need tender encouragement
occasional misting
and – just as you do with me
will you trace fingers along their veins
grace them with your words
tell them how good they look
how they feel perfect against your skin

should you be so inclined
to spend a night or two
I will only ask that you
make the bed and part the curtains
before you leave please fold
linens over
slide them into their spaces
they should fit nicely
squeezed in tightly
together

one last note – when you go
turn every lamp and light down low
wipe down any mess you’ve made
take a second to inspect
each surface
my home deserves the
exquisite
attention
that you bring