We were sitting in the study in the wee hours
you on the couch
me leaning back in the office chair
our quiet conversation matching the stillness of the evening.

I could see through the hall to the kitchen,
into view stepped the King of Rats
he halted when our eyes met
holding for some moments.

Snake-like, his tail wrapped several times around the room.
His regal gaze, considered me with no trace of fear
while mine was possibly one of surprise
and slight supplication.

Unhurried he stepped off
left the room and went on up the hall
– I did not follow.
You asked me who I’d seen
yet in yours eyes I saw you did not want the answer.

Later, servant like – I mopped the kitchen floor,
upon return – chambers would be ready.

With each sweep of the mop I heard them amplifying:
– a rifle-crack of hardened wire
– a snap of neck-bones breaking
– an aftermath of silence

Sounds of uprising.