Ode To My House Lizard

By Aparna M.

I see you some days.

Scuttling to hide behind the clocks.

Behind the sketch my once-upon-a-time friend made and framed for me.

I only think of her now when I see you emerging from behind the drawing of a cupcake.

Behind the fridge, in my kitchen - eating cockroaches.

Though I only realise this the next day, when I see the remnants of your massacre.

Why do you only go after the heads?

Why don’t you eat the limbs?

While we do live together, you live a far bigger life than me.

Travelling. Using my things.

Eating my food. Mating.

Killing my pests. Hunting for sport.

I like to think of us as friends.

Or even roommates perhaps.

I am afraid you would find me too dull.

Like those who are in my life.

I cannot disappoint yet another someone.

I have had my gin. Read my books.

Had my dinner. Watched all the shows.

I will now sleep. Alone.

You are just getting started.

I can hear you calling out the truths. Creating ruckus.

Bellowing for your friends. Getting ready for the darkness.

Letting your mates know that the hunt is on.

Disappearing into the night.

Please clean up after yourself in the morning,

Creep.

By Aparna M.