In alleyway

Of blackened soot,

The peeling gray

Of smoggy hooks,

Unfurls a hell

Seldom in books,

Where in there dwells

Men long since took

By bended will,

And needle’s poke,

Or broken brains,

Or combat boot,

Here lays dear mom,

Asleep in box,

With night’s torment

Like tenterhooks,

Ne’er resolve

Men leave unshook,

Kindness need not

To such place look

For those who try

Leave it heartbroke,

‘Cause healing care

They hardly took,

Fav’ring boxes

And blackened soot,

And there to die

By tenterhooks,

Yet far beneath

Our modest copes,

Or best intent,

And pocketbooks,

They groan aloud,

Their need uncloaked,

Lest shall our towns,

Be overtook,

By bended will,

And needle’s poke,

So

Keep boys and girls

Away at home,

Door shut tightly,

Lest monsters come.