Ray Burleigh

Phoenix, New York

The Little Outhouse

Out back under the trees,
no lights or water, no shiny paint
dirt from the earth makes the floor
sometimes the odor makes you faint

The path is worn with use,
wooden block holds the door,
hook on the inside makes it secure
meaning there's room for no more.

Order catalog sits next to the seat,
during daylight it is used for
wish book, nighttime used for
toilet paper only because it is
too dark to look.

Ventilation is from the moon in
door, crevices and cracks between
boards, water leaks in when
raining, vines growing inside
having plenty of gourds

Critters often use it for shelter,
sometimes scared by a mouse,
but there are a lot of memories
and conversation from The Little Outhouse.
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