How to talk to neighbors you’ve previously ignored 

(A guide for the socially awkward and for diplomatically challenged diplomatic missions)

Act surprised
when you see them
as if noticing their presence
for the very first time

Give them compliments
for being so quiet
that you had no awareness
about a whole family living next door

Struggle with groceries
as you walk past them
drop bread and milk
and hope they’ll stop to help

Walk up to their door and knock
say hello, I’m your neighbor
and I’m baking today
could I borrow an egg?
I’ll pay back with cake.

Poem: © Iz Mazano
#30PoemsInNovember 2019
Photo by Alvin Engler on Unsplash