A Critter In My House

There’s a critter in my house,
The first time in 50 years.
Oh, I remember a mouse or two
That drove my wife almost to tears.

But this critter in my house
Is not a mouse, I’m sure.
I can only guess what it is,
But I have to find a cure.

I did not know it was here
Until I chanced to see
A shadowy streak
That startled me.

Whatever it was went awfully fast
From bathroom to kitchen door.
When I went to look
I saw nothing on the floor.

Then later, I saw it again,
This time in the living room.
Another shadowy streak
Would have avoided a broom.

Other than those two times
I’ve not sighted the critter.
Nor have I heard any noise
Or seen any litter.

I put out a piece of cheese
To be the critter’s meal
Later on the cheese was gone,
I guess what I saw was real.

I expect this critter is a rat,
I’ll do my best to get him out.
It may be a battle of wits
But I’ll eventually win, no doubt.

jhs