Noises in the Night

Poetry in Terza Rima form (described below the poem)

Sounds of scratching in the night
wake me from a joyous dream.
Restful sleep has taken flight.

Prowling rodent, it would seem,
in the space behind the wall.
“Go away," I want to scream.

Closer to the sound I crawl,
fearing not the critter there.
I’m much larger, after all.

Tiptoeing with hope to scare,
blinded in the moonless dark,
I trip over bedroom chair.

Table lamp will leave a mark
where it hit me in the face.
Crash to floor invites dog’s bark.

Groping slowly, just in case
something else is in my way,
I return to rodent chase.

Stalking my elusive prey,
daring it to stand and fight,
banging wall, I join the fray.

Puzzled wife turns on the light,
says "what is going on in here?
Don't you know it's dead of night?"

I tell her, "it's nothing, dear."
She says, "what's that big mark on your face?"
Forget the mouse. I need a beer.

But I'm not done yet with this chase,
not willing to accept disgrace.


Terza rima (chain rhyme):
         > Composed of any number of tercets (3-line stanzas), followed by 1 or 2 lines.
         > Tercet rhyme scheme: aba bcb cdc, etc.
         > Final 1 or 2 lines rhyme with 2nd line of final tercet.