tenant

squatting on doorsteps -- following footsteps

nocturnal habits are surveyed with interest

so we crawl into corners -- ignore any callers

and imagine our radiators clang for our neighbours

when we crawl on all fours -- upon the cushioned floor

still they cling to the walls and knock on our doors

and the tendency for tenants is tenacity

the paint is cracked -- and the paper peels

the plaster falls and a body reels. softly

forty watt bulb swing from a light cloud

on lawnmower groan

the carpet has grown

but they have eyes at the keyholes and ears at the walls

and the tendency for tenants is secrecy. ssssssh