THE GIRL NEXT DOOR

I am the girl next door.

You watch me everyday, beautiful to behold.
But you don’t see me.

We chat about hundreds of insubstantial things.
But you don’t hear me.

I am the girl next door.

Because we are neighbors, you assume I’m just like you.
But you don’t know me.

You envy my picture perfect life.
But you don’t really understand.

I am the girl next door.

We’ve shared many an evening’s tea on the front porch.
You have been to every backyard barbeque I’ve held.

I am the girl next door.

We’ve strolled away the springtime in the gardens.
You’ve walked me to the shining aluminum threshold of my front door.

I am the girl next door.

But my home you’ve never entered.
Do you wonder why?

My walls are built solid and strong.
What could be inside?

I am the girl next door.

My windows hidden by steel blinds drawn.
What secrets do they hide?

The doors always locked, all entrances blocked.
Does inside see a slant of light?

I am the girl next door.
And you’ll never know what I’m capable of.