They slimmed themselves down
to fit under the door
between you
They thought you’d let them in
but they needed to become
surreptitious
and flatten themselves
into the dust on the floor
to slide on in
Once it became clear
the door would never open easily
They would never be a given
Would never be granted a pass
Would be forced to starve
and crawl dirty to you
And then would be criticized
for sneaking in
Filthy from the effort
Slimmed down
to almost nothing
and thus became all you wanted
All you ever wanted
was them outside your door
Dirty-begging for entrance
from the door mat
where they can be pointed at
and praised for the longing
that convinces you
of your desirability
as a destination
You have always felt your best
when you are looking down
at the tired and the poor
Dark Matter 