When Guilt Moved In

Guilt moved in

One piece of furniture at a time.

How was I to know that

She wanted what was mine?

Subtle, at first, 

She brought in beautiful, fresh paint.

"Lie down, lie down!," she said,

"I wouldn't want you faint."

She rearranged each room

Until I was confused.

The suggestions that I offered her

Were....REFUSED!

Why don't you paint that chair?

And move it over there?

How can you stand that clock

And it's loud tick-tock?

Why do you have this art?

Don't you think it's ugly?

Give it to old blind Bart

You've ignored him lately.

"Move this, change that!"

Her voice grew louder and louder.

I felt pressed and torn;

All I could do was cower.

My strength was gone,

My arms sagged, I had no more fight.

Why did I let her in?

She's taken all my rights.

What's that?  A knock on the door!

The Prince of Peace comes in.

"Be gone!  Away with you!

I know your real name--SIN!"

"My dear," He said, 

"You must guard the door of your mind.

Don't invite Guilt in

And My restful peace you'll find."