Is something there, atop my place of ease?
I’m hearing thumping lately from somewhere
above, that’s like a mammal scratching fleas.
Is something there?

A roof-explorer in the upper air?
Or is a skunk inside, that brings unease?
I smelled that musk last night in noisome flare…

I tolerate these critters in degrees
surprising to my friends, but still, I care.
Now I’m beset by ceiling mysteries.
Is something there?

(Roundel)