day 15

For today's prompt, I want you to take the title of a poem you especially like (by another poet) and change it. Then, with this new altered title, I want you to write a poem.

the rent man

"i know you are home!" said the rent man
as he peered through the dirty glass
he raised his hand and knocked again
with the dolphin made of brass
his new white van stood smart and proud
in the rubbish strewn back street
the engine purring soft and smooth
while the litter blew beneath
"i know you are there" he repeated
his voice was growing loud
in a neighbours house, a curtain twitched
soon enough there would be a crowd
behind the door with the dolphin
nary a creature stirred
everyone knew when the rent man came
even the cage bred bird
"three months rent you owe me
my patience has run out"
he turned away, then whipped around
and gave the door a clout
"tell them i came" said the rent man
as he peered at the house next door
"tell them i kept my promise
but next time i'll bring the law"
he strode away to his new, white van
he revved the engine hard
"i'm telling you i have had enough
you had best be on your guard"
the empty streets rejoiced
as the rent man drove away
soon there were children playing
the end of another day

Copyright © 2009 by Eryll Oellermann

original title
The Listeners by Walter de la Mare