There was a time, 

When I wore hats and jackets,

I greeted rambunctious children,

And their front-door racket.

The kids’ snowy scarves,

And their parents’ designer coats,

Were all my responsibility, 

Including the pockets with secret notes.

Inside the Ralph Lauren tweed, 

Is where she found the hotel receipt,

A mother crying in front of her kids, 

At the evidence of his deceit.

Soon movers with cardboard boxes,

Disappeared all of their clothes.

What happened to the husband,

Only his mistress knows.

I was the last family member,

To learn of my doomed fate.

When the smell of pizza grew stronger,

I knew it wasn’t great.

Now I stand here naked,

And without a job.

But the worst part is the shame,

Exposed to the commuting mobs.

The garbage men will take me, 

Away from my sidewalk disgrace.

Where I will be murdered,

My life having no trace.

Except in the memories,

Of a family broken by despair.

I’m the forgotten collateral damage,

From his heartbreaking affair.