No electricity and the house becomes an oven during the day
Open up the few windows that aren’t broken and boarded up
Water fetched from the lake; mildew stains climbing the walls

At night we all sleep in the one room that still has screens
Listening to the whining buzz of hungry mosquitoes just outside
Clamoring for a taste of the bloody bags we still inhabit

Our development used to be protected by the families with guns
Made us pool all our food, so they could take what they wanted
For services rendered - and that’s when the shooting started

Guns were power, and ultimately resolved the worst disputes
Until they started sniping, and taking pot shots at each other
When the ammo ran out, they were the first, for our knives

A large band of tough looking marauders passed through today
Took both daughters without a struggle - hoping they do well
Nothing for them here, just two old people, slowly dying

The marauders returned today; they wanted all my hand tools
Went through the garage and took whatever they could carry
Nobody locks their front door, it’s an invitation for a break-in

With one exception - the nicest house in the neighborhood
It’s located right at the main entrance to the sub-division
We keep it locked and looking nice - long pig curb appeal

Every night the young men from the development sleep there
Ready with spears, waiting for a passing vagrant or nomad
Last night they got one, trying to jimmy a back window

The neighbors across the street got a good bonfire going now
The smell of roasting meat wafting through the sub-division
Everybody is invited - they always throw the best parties!