Siege

<> I can't sleep.

circumstantial paranoia is perfect

in its realm of overwhelming peace

everything that bumps is a determined enemy

 beyond closed windows and locked doors

that offer little comfort that the standoff will cease

night is the most patient while waging that war
armed with wind frozen by first frost

wracking nerves and old beams with its score

it knows something that you do not

a vengeance, an unfolding plot
the floor and walls themselves shiver for you

and you're aware that you're not alone
as she sleeps soundly next to you

 the fear only waxes as something in the next room

groans

 something in the next room - !

one moment of paralysis

 and then knife in hand you're quickly there

to accost an open window

whose shutters merely skitter across the innocent sill