The Uninvited Guest Sassy Cat Oct 05/03 Summer slowly, oh so slowly draws to its inevitable close The magenta damson-like twilight of the darkening sky As light becomes diffused with each waning moment Whispers of sounds, crickets chirping at the people walking by For weeks on end now, I've watched you in rapt attention, in awe Witnessed the hunt, an endless procession of captured prey Seen your home set to right as you busily repair rends and tears Your place entrenched in this game of life, the essential part you play Sky then darkens abruptly, rain, as sharp as piercing needles, falls Wind whips briskly 'round corners, your web's torn, ripped asunder Plants do unwillingly bend their heads before the turbulent onslaught The storm brews stronger, jagged lightning slashes, clashes of thunder I rush to quickly gather my garden basket profusely filled with cuttings Seeking out both warmth and shelter from this torrential downfall Unknowing, unaware of my little stowaway, my very uninvited guest Leaving to seek a vase, my basket hastily deposited in the front hall Later as we sit around the kitchen table, chatting, catching up on news You've worked your way to my kitchen, slowly up the wall beside her chair Stopping now and then, pausing to get your bearings, you continue on Edging minutely closer, her head turned away, she's blissfully unaware A scream rents the air as you're spotted, a leap, chair overturned in panic Your very life now is forfeit as you needlessly ignored my feavoured plea But wait; a rescuer looms closer, rushes to save you, scooping you up My other daughter has not this fear as she takes you outside, sets you free.