The Snort Next Door

The book was open.

The words, they sat there, flat.

Then the sound broke in.

A laugh. Like someone slapped

a wet hide. Sharp.

And loud. It rattled through

the wall, a jarring harp.

What did they find so new?

Then that snort. A small, ugly

noise, like something caught

in the throat, suddenly

freed. A secret thought

given form. It stopped

my breath. Just for a beat.

A moment, sharply chopped.

Then silence. Bitter, sweet.