You'Ve Been Had

I heard a subtle sound from outer stairs That interrupted peacefulness in house. I asked myself, what was that noise my ears Have hearkened to, perhaps it was a mouse? Although my curiosity aroused My cautiousness in check I ventured from My study most perplexed, and than I paused Because my heart was beating like a drum. Anticipating what I feared the least A mouse was not the cause of noise I heard Nor any grievous, carnivorous beast Not even Allen Poe’s foreboding bird. I played a joke on you with all respect Now the question: what thought you the culprit?