Mister Singleton

As children we used to play this game of ringing someone's doorbell then running and hiding, to watch them standing, looking around for some none existant caller.

Mister Singleton died today
I prayed to God in heaven above to save him
I wonder how rough a time we gave him
I never thought in terms of tears or pain
Only that to us it was a game
Of ring his bell and run away
And Mister Singleton died today

Mister Singleton he'd run out
And waving his arms he'd yell and shout
And curse the kids who danced about
And mimicked him so old, so grey
And Mister Singleton died today

I know that it's all so pointless now
But I want to say I'm sorry and I don't know how
I'd like to get a message through somehow
There's lots of things I want to say
But Mister Singleton died today

I can't help thinking when the day is done
When the downstairs clock is chiming half past one
On the front door bell will come a ghostly thumb
And ghostly steps will run away
It's Mister Singletons turn to play

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

Looks like Mister Singleton gets the last laugh, although he'd probably rather not have passed away to do it.

[William Michael Reeves]

I like this poem! Poignant, funny, rhyme. Brought back memories. Used to tie fishing line to mom's empty purse. Lay it where we could hide behind something and pull it away when someone tried to pick it up. Good poem Bryan!

[Chris Shaw]

We called that game knock down ginger Bryan, and we all played it which was so thoughtless. Too young back then to understand that behind the door there might be an elderly person in ill health. We did bake a cake one afternoon when we realised that one of our neighbours was poorly and very sheepishly stayed on the doorstep to say sorry. . He was delighted with the cake and his new friends.

Your stanzas show the consequences of what kids games can turn into. A poignant write. I also liked the twist at the end.

Good morning to you.

Chris

[Bryan Sefton]

Knock down ginger. I've never heard that one. We used to call it knock a door, run. You're right though, we never thought of consequences. We were very young. I was only twenty three.

[Chris Shaw]

Now that is naughty!!! I was twelve :))