Poetry / Back Door

After reading this several times, two sayings come to mind; “Leave the back door open,” in case the decision doesn’t go right. Or, ”...leave by the back door;” having done something embarrasing or secretive. /...the dead rats/ very well could be past actions applied to the quotes, water under the bridge. I hate cliche’s so I’m killing myself here. This might be your subject/theme.

Imagery: I like the reversal of the front being broken up instead of the back. Good description. Usually think of the back being more rustic.

structure: nice tight lines, well-formed stanzas. First person.

nitpicking: delete the “And’s,” in 1st and 2nd stz. Make sentences. It would add power to the lines. Maybe, also the “but,” and “of,” seem to be weak words.

No need for capit. of 1st lines.

You have a short, concise poem here, and those conjuctions don’t add anything.

I think with revision, a couple lines of same length, maybe a series, you could submit them around for publication.

Very good work. I can tell you have experience.

Blessings, Gbryan.