Leaning on this locked entrance,
Listening for signs of life,
When all seems quiet and yet
Embers glow in an
Unattended hearth.
Peering in at cloudy glass,
Making out shapes and slight moves,
All signs of an enticing home
While still elusive, shadows
Flickered from the light.
A casual knock, insouciant enquiry
Seems to stir a motion,
In quick darts of excitement
Or anxiety, so fast
It's hard to gauge.
Then crash! I'm laid out flat,
The door suddenly unlocked,
As I looked the other way,
And now I'm laid out, floored
Like some unwelcome mat.
Pain ensues, a flurry of noise
At this uncareless act:
A lump stuck in the hall,
With feet firmly in the air
And head down on the ground.
No way out really,
The elephant is in the room,
Slightly dazed and nonplussed,
But stuck there on the threshold,
Blocking easy passage.
Just laid out of my mind,
I see stars and cartoon birds,
Afraid to stir for fear of fright,
An awkward obstacle I know,
But wary of sudden moves.
Supposing I get myself up,
I could just quietly leave,
Pull the door silently behind
And head back down the cinder path,
Leaving time to cool the coal.
Or wander quietly in and put the kettle on,
Set out a couple of mugs and brew,
Poke the fire and warm the hearth,
Then just take a seat and wait,
