A tap, a pop, a rustle strokes against
The windowpane, the night outside condensed
To shifting sounds, a sudden creak and moan.
Awake at once, I blink.  A xylophone?
Percussion tinkles softly, barely sensed.

The house is new; I'm inexperienced
In ways of ownership, my worries fenced
And listed, dollar signs assigned a groan,
A tap, a pop.

But this?  A marching band has just commenced!
Alive, the house is swaying, rising!  Tensed,
I throw the window open.  Shapes of bone
Ballet about, the music's frenzied tone
A carnival that bursts, is gone!  But undispensed?
A tap, a pop.