(untitled #88) Poem by bob barci

Lately,
I’ve been hearing about “quiet enjoyment”.
However,
the definition of it
has come into play.
Exactly –
what is it?
Especially when it comes to pets.
I refer to pets
in pet friendly buildings.
Those who want them – have them.
Those who don’t – don’t.
However,
those who don’t
seem to complain about those who do.
Not the ones with cats, fish
or other silent pets,
but those with dogs
or other pets that can make noise.
It is expected that these pets
can and will make some noise.
It is the responsibility of the owner
to keep pets quiet
during reasonable times –
such as overnight.
However,
it is unreasonable
to insist that these pets be kept dead silent 24/7.
Certain people
complain that their “quiet enjoyment”
is being violated by neighbors pets.
It is normal and expected
for pet dogs and birds
to bark and screech –
occasionally, during the day.
If those without pets
don’t like or are annoyed by
even the slightest of pet noise –
then I have to wonder why
they are living in a pet friendly building
in a great city such as New York.
I’m sure there is a “no pets allowed” building
somewhere out there for them to live in.

But while in a pet friendly building
they need to expect some pet noise.
And how dare these complainers
say anything about “quiet enjoyment”
when they, themselves, ruin the “quiet enjoyment” of others
as they allow their children to run around the hallways
screaming at the top of their lungs,
leave their doors open for all to hear
their very loud telephone conversations,
pound on piano,
and have loud parties,
for hours on end.
Doesn’t that violate MY “quiet enjoyment”?
How quickly their tune changes
when it’s them and their children
making the noise
instead of someone else’s pet.
If pet owners are to keep pet noise
down to a bare minimum,
I expect non-pet owners to do the same.
After all,
noise is noise
regardless of its source.