who goes there?

who goes there?

is it you,
slinking cat-

eyes wide as the brim of a hat?

is it you,
sister dear-

hair cascading (butt swaying)?

is it you,
flying dust-

sneaking out from beneath my bed?

is it you,
seething sigh-

slipping from between my mother's teeth?

it is not i-
cried the cat
whined the girl
whispered the dust
moaned the sigh

then it must be you-
stuttering heart!
tripping over eager beats!
quickly beating
labored breathing

silence will truly drive a person mad.