There is walnut veneer
on the walls of my bedroom.

There are also hundreds of lips
jutting out and whispering.

I sit down to read.
I cannot concentrate.

I am sworn to secrecy.
I cannot tell about the screeching sounds I hear.

I am waiting for them to leave.
I entreat them politely.

I say to them with confidence,
"you do not belong here."

- - L. Van Warren © 1976