I almost stepped on it

in the dark

I did not see it at first

it was just a silent form on the floor

my eyes still blurred from sleep

I thought it was some lint

or just some debris on the floor

but as I reached for it

it ran away

a lizard in the night

it was so fast I could not catch it

into the coat closet it went

never to be seen again

until...

this morning when it showed up

in the kitchen

all bright and green as a Christmas bulb

but again it was too fast

and under the refrigerator it slid

slippery as usual

then oddly enough, later

it appeared at the back door

as if waiting for me to let it out

I opened the door and zip

the lizard ran away lickity split 

so now the lizard is free

and we are free of the lizard

a guest who came in unexpectedly

but then stayed two weeks

an uninvited visitor

who made himself at home

yet strangely enough, its departure

leaves a feeling of some sadness

like when a house guest leaves

we are glad to see him go

yet miss his lizard company.