A New Neighbor over the Fence
I understand what you mean
when you say you’re alone
and hope someone rings your
bell day or night but that’s
not the case with me.
You say you’d be happy to see
a Fuller Brush man at the door
if the company still has salesmen
or a man sharpening knives
although I haven’t seen a man
pushing a whetstone cart through
the neighborhood in years.
I’d be careful, Ma’m, giving
a stranger a knife to make it
sharper than it already is.
Being alone is tough enough
unless you’re a recluse like me.
We wouldn’t be talking now but
I had to take the garbage out.
My wife always did it until she
passed away a few years ago.
The autopsy was inconclusive.
If a Fuller Brush man or a guy
sharpening knives rings my bell,
he won’t come to see me again.
I have a whetstone in the attic
and sharpen my knives as needed.
But thanks for letting me know
you’d like to have visitors.
if I ever feel like talking,
I’ll certainly ring your bell.
Donal Mahoney
