Tents

We all live in tents
Of our own devising
Breaking the world into parts
Mine
Not-mine
Us
Them
Good
Evil

In our tents we can decorate as we like
Floors, rugs, paintings
Whatever takes our fancy
Our tent can be big
Large enough to hold many
Or our tent can be small
Just big enough for one
Or maybe two, no more
Our tents can change size
Shrinking and growing to fit
Sometimes by choice, but
Often unbidden
Sometimes unwanted

Outside of the tent is a scary place
Out of control
Unwatched
Unwanted
But safely ignored, with the flaps closed
If our tent is well made nothing can get in
But nothing can get out
Opening the flap means risk
Potential reward
Contamination
Or sharing

No matter how thick the tent though
We can be squashed
Branches falling
Floodwaters rising
Invading our tent
Our sanctuary

Then to rebuild
A smaller tent, safer
Alone