Home » Poems » Ken Duddle » Respect

Respect

Respect
Terry was a decent man
In his old fashioned way he was set.
He was polite to all he knew
And treated them with respect.

Terry shared a hostel house
After on hard times he fell
He discovered in the room next door
Was housed the neighbour from Hell.

Music blaring at 3am
Keeping Terry awake
Three months he covered his ears
Until no more he could take.

Knocking on his neighbour's door
He did not know what to expect
All he wanted was the music turned down
And to be shown some respect.

Before him stood a man
With drug crazed eyes.
Alcohol fueled breath hit Terry head on
As abuse spit out of the mouth.

Terry’s pleas for respect fell
Fell on deaf ears with a thud
A complaint to the house care worker
Was greeted with just a shrug.

Then Terry met his friend Mick
Who offered help with his plight.
He said he would resolve the problem
And would be around that night.

Sure enough the music came
Through the walls at the usual time.
Mick said he would have a word 
With the chap from next door.

Twenty stone of solid muscle
Built like a ****-house made of brick.
His face like it was battered by a train
Not to be crossed was our Mick.

He strode into the room
Picked up the stereo with one hand.
The neighbour stood open-mouthed
As through the window it went.

Onto the path two floors down
The Man’s pride and joy smashed
The fragments of the window which was shut
Followed close behind with a crash.

After Mick’s visit all was quiet
And Terry had his sleep.
His life has changed for the better.
His own flat and a neighbour that shows respect.

So if you live in a hostel
Take heed of this tale and reflect.
Think how your actions affect others
And always show some respect.

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.