Nuisance

Nuisance

Pigeons in the rafters.

Mice in the walls.

Eight deer strung out across the road,
as if they had been cut from paper.
They have paused while crossing.
Passing cars throw light against their faces,
their brown bodies and treebranch legs.

Water's refusal to remain
stopped up within the pipes.
Beads dripping from the faucet,
wearing a scar in the sink.

You will find it impossible to ignore what troubles you,
even if its movements are gentle,
softened with feathers or fur.