Neighbors

We have good neighbors, I suppose;

Though we see them hardly ever.

They wave politely, "hi- de-ho"

And go about their way.

I see them prying out their windows

As we're coming in,

Out of curiosity

I guess you'd say.

I see them on occasion

Hanging over back yard fences

Catching up on gossip

They're afraid they might have missed.

It worries me to see them laugh

Then look in my direction.

It makes me wonder why

I'm on their list.

I only hope in time of need

Or hopeless desperation,

When all the world is dark and cold and grim,

That I can call and they'll respond

With kindness and compassion,

The same way I, in turn,

Would give to them.