If the Walls Were Made of Paper

If the walls were made of paper,
stretched right on wooden poles
would you stand in the center.

If the walls were made of paper,
brightly colored woven mats
would you feel any safer.

If the walls were made of paper,
pale and illuminated from within
would you light a candle.

If the walls were made of paper,
scribbled and scratched by the years
would you wrap your feet in sandals.

If the walls were made of paper,
each tile bearing a treasured memento
would you sit for hours lost in them.

If the walls were made of paper,
carefully tucked in at the sides
would you still cry yourself to sleep.

If the walls were made of paper,
photos of time lost and gone
would your sobs turn to silence.

If the walls were made of paper,
and everyone could listen
would you speak the truth more often.