Double Panic

They came under cover of darkness,
Thise damn possums did, to pirate
My dear cat’s costly kibble.
They eat anything and poop anywhere,
Why mess with my cat’s special chow?

But for the resounding clang of the
Metal food dish when they’re at it,
I might not have been able to nail down
The “true” identity of the culprits.
So I set to plotting a little surprise for
Those ungainly, needle-toothed bandits.

My plan: Keep an ear out for the telltale
Clanging; have a big pot at the door
Ready to bang. Also needed: Bright lights
Indoors and total darkness outside.

Each night I stayed alert for the raiders’
Racket. When they struck again, I sprung
My trap. Bursting out, I hit the ground
Howling, beating the pot all the way.

Going so quickly from light to darkness.
I couldn’t see the creature, and in turn,
It was blinded by the sudden brightness.
It panicked – and crashed into my right leg.

Now in the light and with it between my legs,
I looked down and saw………..
Black and white stripes!!!!
And it was my turn to panic!!!

The two of us were locked in a
Frantic mutual jig together until, as
Luck would have it, the skunk dashed away
Into the darkness outside.

Had it instead, in its distraction, chose to
Zip into my place, I would have been
Instantly homeless.