I came home late with a bag from the store

I came home late with a bag from the store,

reached for the handle to go inside.

I felt the brass give way at the door

like a tooth that had nowhere to hide.

The plate is rattling against the wood,

the screws have all stripped the grain.

I’d fix the thing tonight if I could

or if I had the sense to complain.

Instead I just jiggled the metal a bit

until the bolt finally clicked in the slot.

I’m the only one who is living in it,

so it doesn't matter much if I'm not.