LET US be guests in one another's house With deferential "No" and courteous "Yes;" Let us take care to hide our foolish moods Behind a certain show of cheerfulness. Let us avoid all sullen silences; We should find fresh and sprightly things to say; I must be fearful lest you find me dull, And you must dread to bore me any way. Let us knock gently at each other's heart, Glad of a chance to look within -- and yet Let us remember that to force one's way Is the unpardoned breach of etiquette. So shall I be hostess -- you, the host -- Until all need for entertainment ends; We shall be lovers when the last door shuts, But what is better still -- we shall be friends. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PEACE (2) by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON SERVICE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON THE MOTHER by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON EPITAPH IN A CHURCH-YARD IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA by AMY LOWELL FROM THE AGES WITH A SMILE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS YOU ARE FIRE EATERS by MARIANNE MOORE WITH BEST WISHES by DOROTHY PARKER |