Annoying Neighbors (Dealing With Difficult Neighbors)

I dedicate to this poem to an elderly couple we moved in next to many years ago in a different time and place. Having them as neighbors was an interesting experience to say the least, but never dull. I'm sure many of you can relate, and I apologize in advance to anyone who falls into this category of neighbor themselves.

I actually submitted this poem to the local daily newspaper for their regular 'poets corner' feature but they found it too controversial to print even though I wrote it as 'anonymous'.

(I have attempted to change any spelling to American English as most of my colleagues on here are from the USA eg. neighbour to neighbor, but there may be some Aussie slang words or 'strine' found within).

I'd like to dedicate this poem

To neighbors who complain

About so many trivial things,

Such pettiness a shame.

They're nosy to the point of rude,

And never miss a thing.

Sitting, staring from their porch

Just like the Queen and King.

"Why'd they go across the road?

Whose car is parked next door?

What's that she's got in the sack?

Who's that at their door?"

"Don't you know it's 10 o'clock?

You've watered quite enough.

We'll have to ring the council up

Unless you turn it off."

"Your grass is getting rather long,

When are you gonna mow?

Don't put up a paling fence,

Weld mesh is the go."

"That old shed is quite a mess",

They tell me with a frown,

"It really spoils the neighborhood,

Why don't you pull it down?"

"What's that tree you've planted there?

I hope it won't grow tall.

We hate trees that shed their leaves,

It makes work for us all."

"Your water's running in our yard

Every time it rains.

We'll have to ring the council up

And dob you in again."

These are the type of neighbors

I never wish on you.

You have no personal freedom,

No matter what you do.

They'll complain and intervene

Trying to control,

To be rulers of the neighbourhood

Is their unworthy goal.

Just ignore them if you can,

Is easier said than done.

Having their will forced on you

Really is no fun.

So stay strong an persevere,

Don't bow to every whim.

If they can't break your spirit

Eventually, you'll win.