The Mystery Bench

In the city, there are benches
Placed where people might
Relax and take a load off,
Which is everybody’s right.

They’re either made of metal
Or old-fashioned painted wood,
Found in parks and promenades or where
They’d do the utmost good.

Most bus stops with a shelter
Have a bench for those who wait
And in playgrounds, there are benches
Where the nannies congregate.

My apartment building spans a block
On quite an average street,
Without a bus stop or a park;
It’s nice, but not elite.

Yet recently, a metal bench,
Three seats’ worth, with a back,
Was placed to give my home address
What other buildings lack – 

A place to sit, but no one knows
Who ordered such a thing.
It sounds real good, but there are several
Problems it could bring –

The detritus of strangers,
Which is quite a common sight
And perhaps some noisy revelers
To party through the night.

My street is pretty quiet
And I hope a monkey wrench
Hasn’t landed on it with the 
Sudden placement of this bench.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025



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Date: 7/30/2025 6:26:00 AM
- Nice to have access to benches in parks, Ilene :) ... but I don't want any outside my windows... unless it's my own :) - hugs
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Date: 7/29/2025 9:18:00 AM
Ilene, this excellent poem conveys a powerful message about good intentions and those who come along and spoil things. Maybe that won't happen. Janice
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Date: 7/28/2025 11:24:00 PM
Oh, dear. I hope it's used for tired nannies, the elderly, the tired and the weak. Great poem. I can understand your concern. Sending hugs
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Date: 7/28/2025 9:03:00 PM
This made me laugh! Lovely poem!
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Date: 7/28/2025 2:53:00 PM
how weird for it to just appear out of the blue, lets hope it is just used for resting and watching the world go by and no late night revellers disturb your peaceful life! hugs Jan xx
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