the vacant apartment

i swirl the numbers
on the lockbox
trying to snap it open
to get the key
to get into a vacant apartment.
it won't budge.
there are five other
lock boxes
hanging on the metal
rail, all of them look
the same.
i try them all.
still no key.
i call the owner,
the agent.
i yell to an open window.
no one looks out.
finally, i try
the door,
it's open. i go in.
i go up the ancient steps.
the place
smells
of animals.
the apartment looks like
a place
where unhappiness lived,
where maybe a murder
took place.
nothing good can come from
living in a dump
like this.
i'll paint it bright white
and see what
gives.