Keys

Oh, you unlockers of doors,

of padlocks and P.O. boxes,

you protectors of yards and bicycles

and young girls’ diaries,

you starters of automobiles,

openers of footlockers and sardine cans:

You are astounding in your simplicity,

you fully self-contained machines with only one part,

you lovers with only one mate

with whom you fit together perfectly, always,

you guardians of home and possessions,

protectors of secrets, revealers of hidden things.

Without you, how few precious

revelations would there be?

How many sacred truths left unrevealed?

How many hearts kept safe from harm?