Suspicion Moves In

It is well after midnight
most of the neighbors have
turned out their lights
the moon is cresting
undisturbed in the chill
men are banging
on the guy's door
who lives on the first floor
they say they don't want
to mess with anyone
just want him to
come outside and talk
one says, "I stay upstairs
with my wife and kid"
says, "someone's been messing
around with them"
says, "I can hear you all
whispering behind the door
the banging crescendos
to a menacing pitch
the chill in the night air
glistens on the window pane
straining to not
give themselves away
they coax the woman
to crack open the door
accusations and fists erupt.

stunned we wonder
who to believe?
who to blame?

Police come and go
the couple argues till dawn
suspicion moves in.

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