A Surprise (Maybe)
By CHANA PERMAN
The basement door, left open wide
Which sneaky creature now inside?
Perhaps a cat, or stray coyote
Wreaking havoc with my laundry
Maybe a cat or mouse with ambition
Have joined our home by their own volition
Once I’ve determined the coast is clear
A sigh of relief, no critters here
Unless a hobo playing seek and go hide
Delighted by the sight of a door open wide.
Originally from New York City but currently living in Toronto, Canada, CHANA PERMAN is a Jewish poet, mother and learning strategies instructor. She holds a master’s degree in special education, and has worked in that field for 25 years. Her cherished roles as mother, teacher and guidance consultant provide inspiration and material for her writing, both prose and poetry.