Elegy for a little mouse

(c) Mark D. Holt
 
 

Little mouse, searching for food,
you entered the domain of man.
Foraging in the garden shed,
across the floor you ran.
 

Little mouse, you encountered a woman,
and you gave her quite a fright.
But you yourself were startled too,
and hurried out of sight.
 

Little mouse, you came back later
and spied a piece of cheese.
Finally, giving in to temptation,
you crossed the floor with ease.
 

Little mouse, eyes wide with shock,
your little back did snap.
You never saw the danger,
and you were lured into a trap.
 

Little mouse, your death was cruel,
it should not have been that way.
In a cold dark place for half the night,
your lifeless body lay.
 

Little mouse, a small blood stain
marks the place you died.
All alone in a garden shed,
with nobody by your side.
 

Little mouse, some people are glad
now that you are gone.
But take heart, little mouse,
in that your passing is mourned by one.
 

Little mouse, for the want of a meal,
your short life did cease.
I bid you goodbye, little mouse,
and may you rest in peace.