The poem describes how we get into trouble and realize that we cannot get out. The details are all imaginary and grotesque so the reader can fantasize a bit or a lot. I would prefer the author were clearer, but he's not.
This is my fantasy about it.
The person in trouble has just died by going through the transom and landing into whatever hell awaits us. As newly dead he is still conscious enough to realize he can't get out, or back to life, and is not sure what kind of cops exist in hell. Those already dead commiserate. They've all been through it. His case is hopeless, of course, since he is dead, forever.
The last two lines make me think this is the correct fantasy:
You think your life is over?
It’s just begun.
Note the comment about your life being over? Note that eternal life in this hell has just begun?
Well, it is just a fantasy. I prefer poetry to be more obvious.
Or, one could fantasize that there is this kid who has long hair and wants to get it cut today. His parents don't want him to cut his hair, so he's just going to get it done himself. Not realizing the shop is closed, because like most of us ("That six-year-old red face calling for momma is yours") he's not that bright, so he climbs up the side of the door and drops through an open transom. When he's inside he realizes he's going to get in trouble and he can't seem to climb out like he climbed in because the transom opens in not out. Then he realizes he doesn't want that hair cut after all, but too late. The cops will give it to him if the barber doesn't.
Or, one could fantasize he is a new born on earth and finally, about six years old, realizes where he is. He realizes he is alive waiting for the barber, caught in the barbershop, expecting to die, but no, his life has just begun.
Or, one could fantasize he just bought this stock that tanked right through the transom...well, I'll stop.
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