the warehouse

Abandoned padlock decomposing, decades old

layered rust; this lone barrier remains.

Creaking and groaning, resisting every

turn and thrust; it must have forgotten my key.

With one last scream it gives in at last, yields

to reveal a decaying hoard hidden in shadow;

an entire lifetime buried, cardboard shrouds,

mildewy damp and crumbling under passing time’s weight,

a catacomb of cinder block.

Overhead a lone bulb buzzes, hanging seductively

from a delicate noose, dangling

a ratty pull-string to tease and to taunt, promising

more as it remains the lone barrier between see-er and seen;

threatening to shatter darkness and shadows.

Temptation builds, the urge burns and sears;

curiosity unbearable, resistance now impossible:

with just one tug, there’s no going back.