Swipe

Swipe

My name is Swipe

I’ve lived in hotels bed & breakfast all my life

This entry card is in my hand

To open doors across this land

In hotel bars I show my card

To order drinks it isn’t hard

It’s always safe I never flash

No bulging change or wads of cash

I see my room it’s always bright

In the morning, midday or the night

I’m in a place a day or two

The strangers pass the voices new

I sleep the night my card I stow

The cleaners call just as I go

I swipe my card and take my case

To the checkout girl a helpful face

She asks my name it’s just the same

My Mum and Dad began the game

2

They travelled far me by their side

Until the car crashed on its side

I miss them now the folks I had

I hardly knew my Mum and Dad

 I travel light and all alone

Don’t have a place I have no home

 It’s in my blood for me to roam

To book a room I’m on the phone

I’m growing old and getting slow

I hate the cold, ice, rain and snow

It’s straight to bed I rarely show

I read a book or just lay low

I’m in a room a smart hotel

The staff are nice my name they know

It’s been some time but will I go?

I know the clubs and shops and bars

The best way for my travelled car

3

I never cook or wash my clothes

It’s done by folk who rarely show

Its summer time to town I go

A dart or two I like to throw

The girls don’t want me now I’m old

Its shady ladies dressed in gold

 They follow me because I’m meek

I must get back its time for sleep

I’ll settle here I like the life

I’ve made new friends

I’ve booked a flight

If things don’t turn out as they might

I have the card my name is Swipe

Kevin Humphreys

February 2009