leave that there

don't you touch that
leave that there
the eggshell china
the silverware

the oil painting
the knobbled chairs
the furry coats
the minx's stare

you can't bring him
leave him there
his baby grand
his kinked up hair

can't take him with you
beyond repair
his splattered stop watch
his concrete stairs

time is ticking
time's a bear
it runs for office
it runs for mayor
the people gather
the people swear
it promises victories
it says its prayers

gypsy, gypsy
don't stand there
in that quilt of faces
with your tattered layers

the wind is burning
the wind won't share
its itinerary
its predicted fare

so before the paint dries,
the carpets wear
pack your satchel,
your pots and flares

but that heavy piece
leave that there
it's not your time
for walks in pairs