The Bad Neighbor

 Sirens in the distance cut through the peace;

there's an arsonist in the neighborhood

and he's known to the police.

They have been trying to pretend

it isn't him, though, but 

it's not really a secret.

Of course, they know.

He even has a fan club (can you believe!?);

they send him matches and gasoline.

It's because he "hits the right houses"

they say--if you know what that means.

People have lost their lives 

and families have been divided.

It's very hard to swallow 

the alibis provided

when the arsonist has mentioned names

shortly before the flames.

It isn't very pleasant

and I don't think it's good

for us to have an arsonist

living in the neighborhood.