You're outside in the hallway

Shuffling letters and papers,

Making a noise

Like a mouse in the wainscot.

You want us to know

You are there,

Not listening.

You want us to know

You might be listening.

Your resentment

Seeps through the door-crack

Like a thin plume

Of acrid smoke.

She's talking,

Talking,

Blocking the doorway -

It's urgent,

You must listen -

She dropped a penny,

It's raining,

She got wet:

God's got it in for her.