She claimed some pressing errands on that day,

Her late return struck me as somewhat odd;

Lipstick slight smudged and hair fair disarrayed,

Curt smiles that seemed an awkward feigned facade.

I kissed her forehead, stroked her perfumed hair—

She stiffened when I lightly touched her arm,

Then turned abruptly, fleeing up the stairs

As if that gentle touch had caused her harm.

I mused upon the strangeness that transpired;

Then came a shower’s noise to break the gloom

While thought on thought did torture and inquire

The cause of her demeanor in that room;

Contemplating all circumstance and time…

With Occam’s razor glinting in my mind.