Mouse
(Enemy In The House)

With bent tail he runs with sudden stops.
He’s an insolent creature ! Scrounging & creeping,
nosing & nibbling, he spoils whatever I own.

His pinblack eyes swivel. Transfixed he stares
at the tigerlike cat on my lap.

Carnivorous beast!
With teeth & claws flashing he springs on the mouse.
Squeaking shrilly for help ( whose help? my help! )
mouse is dragged through the trap.

Painfully I hear him
- think I can hear him - torn minute by minute
piece by piece in defence of my house !