Unpaid Residence

Don't look at death. Look at the unpaid stay. It is better that way.

Unpaid Residence

Within the chamber, within the time allotted

The guest had overstayed his welcome

Far beyond the clock which saw no cause permitting it

Now occupied is Mr. Smith upon the bed

Being dead is no excuse for self indulgences

Excesses best left unsaid, and yes, unpaid

The room held itself together with some boards

Certainly some nails came into play

Creaking noises added to the joy of Hotel Jones

But there are limits to an occupancy delinquency

Four walls hold more than secrets for the halls

Which echo through the key hole’s empty hollow

Ceilings and floors don’t morn or pay the bills

Could say no more before the morning call

Could say nothing for Mr. Smith right now or then

When he died the night before and to that end

Two windows look into the future not quite there

Reveal the other side of life outside felt by the living

Where stairs that lead out there are tread no more

Would laws allow some grace for the departed

Check out time is 1:00 o’clock according to the clock

Where is the payment for the extra hours spent

From no one within the chamber that’s for sure

And nowhere to be found behind the door

As Mr. Smith for sure was very poor

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

dying alone and unnoticed is perhaps one of the great human sorrows and tragedy ... i like your sense of humor .. how indeed does one pay for overstaying in the land of the living???? we seem to be trying so hard to do just that don't we ... some going to any unholy end to preserve themselves ... frozen bodies already skeletal with living ... robbing the unborn of their body parts ... such a fear we express in such things ... no ... terror of death ... how absurd eh!? sure like your theme and story telling .. smooth flowing lines in my opinion .. this is a poem i will try to take with me today ... a fine thing to ponder says i!
E.

[Earl Schumacker]

Hi E, Great to hear from you. Glad you are hanging in there and hanging out in nature. God protect us from ourselves as we try to preserve ourselves like jams and jellies. You make good points about the living and the dead. Thanks for your comments. Glad yu enjoyed the poem. Have a great day, Earl

[Einstein Noodle]

your welcome and best of the day to you too, Earl!