A ten by eleven tomb, lock secured, across the hall from the communal bathroom.
Up the long, steep, short tread stairs,
where many had been before and would come more,
With their ecstasy safely anchored to bottomless despair.
This is your room and here is your key and you know the details of the rent said she.
All my being screaming inside, begging for a commuted sentence or at least,
A final chance of escape, I nodded thank you, and she went on her way.
Brought in my guitar, radio and what little clothes I had, this exile was going to be sad.
As I unlocked the door, and the tomb came into view, I laughed out loud and said, You've got be kidding.
From floor to ceiling there was faded wallpaper, it devoured
The place. In all pastel letters in an unending pattern the word Rainbow, everywhere.
And under Neath this beacon, seven by two inch,
Lay a primary colored distant horizon swish.
I was aghast, but grateful for the laugh.
A cockroach sentry peeked from his station.
I saluted, for he outranked me in determination.
I vowed then and there that I would never again sink so low.
And at that moment there was a knock on my door.
First thing I saw was the cast on his hand, he said hey u want some free cable I’m leaving here tomorrow man.
The deal being done, I unpacked in my new home.
Anthony Joseph Erangey
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-cockroach-and-its-rainbow-room/
