Peter Lewin
The Tenancies
My good neighbour
uses illnesses like
a weapon, ringing
the nurse, involving
her husband. Too
much noise: singing,
washing blocking
her view, doors
slamming, someone
talking back.
It makes her ILL, ILL.
Incest and drink
are a big problem
at number two.
(Mother and son:
innocent, inoffensive.)
At number three
two young journalists
left overnight:
Prostitutes, she said.
So, now I fear
the watcher:
the flick of curtains,
being on the list -
my bread, my guitar,
all that jazz FM.
I smile too much.
Classification:
squinty-eyed
Smack Head.
The sweet smell
of honeysuckle
draws my grandchild
to your garden.
You banging
on my door
disturbs my Sunday
siesta, my good neighbour.
Your cheese-grater face
fucking hates kids.
Try to calm you down,
offer you sweet tea.
You slam the door,
my two year old cries.
You bake cakes
for the landlord,
a bit of a bastard.
Wasps fly around your
sugary apple-pies.
Page(s) 112
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