~
where do you come from
little guy
you
here
alone
under our bed
what are you doing
waking us
from our sound sleep
what is your intention
what’s under there
that’s so interesting
perhaps a morsel
of snacks-in-bed
maybe a wayward
snip of thread
certainly your intention
is not to hide
not scratch scratch
scratching on the frame
like you are
maybe
it’s just your nervous tick
wow
I get it now
my wife’s annoyance
with my constant leg bounce
but then
there’s her incessant tapping
with her writing pen
marriage is nothing
if not tolerance
but her sister
really
damned hard to believe
she’s from her family
and you
down there
where do you come from
where is your little house
mouse
you’re lucky
you know
you’ve been pardoned
tonight
granted a reprieve
my wife loves critters
critters all
large and small
she thinks you’re cute
she thinks you’re funny
she thinks you’re innocent
though you and me
we know better
don’t we
but
you’ve picked the right house
little mouse
the right bed
to be under
to pursue your plunder
you’re safe
…for now
~ ~ ~
rob kistner © 2013