You cannot tell how many lamps
bottles coffee mugs
jars vases
are home to genies
the ones who have learned to stay inside
when the endless knocking begins
The requirement to grant wishes
applies only if
the resident emerges
For those who are patient
another genie will one day knock
The penalty for genies
who free other genies is harsh
Both must leave their traditional homes
wander the winds
camp in whatever temporary shelter
they find
Thus it is best
to approach trash barrels
with caution
Any discarded can or cup
may hold an ancient supernatural being
who does not welcome visitors
a transient rogue
with little to lose
everything to grant
or take away
