The Surprise in the Shed

The Surprise in the Shed



As lightning flashed across the sky
and rain tattooed upon the roof,
we flipped a coin. One would stay dry,
the other’d see if they’re rustproof.

This was a nightly ritual.
You’d think, by now, we would have learned.
The evening rain – habitual –
but we were young and unconcerned.

I called “heads.” Of course, I won;
my wife went out to close the door,
that someone (me) had left undone,
to keep things dry in the downpour.

Within a minute she was back,
her face reflecting inner fears.
“A giant rat tried to attack
me in the shed”, she said in tears.

“A rat? I doubt it,” I exclaimed
“but I’ll go out and take a peek.”
I went to see if what she claimed
was real – and then I heard a squeak.

With light in hand, I slowly crept
and there I saw I hairless tail.
It looked like she was right – except
behind it I could see a trail.

Dry cat food scattered on the floor
told me all was not as it seemed.
I slowly opened up the door;
it turned to me and hissed and screamed!

I’ll admit it gave me quite a fright!
A possum feeding in my shed
had never crossed my mind that night,
the thought was never in my head!

A broom and coaxing saved the day
and, as I stood there in the rain,
a lesson learned along the way
was embedded in my brain.

Always ensure the door's pulled tight
and never store food in the shed
‘less you find gremlins in the night
that love to play games in your head.


An entry for the 10/15/13 round of "The Writer's Cramp - Poetry Week!" 
Line Count: 40

Yes it’s a true story