My Mouse

At rest in my lounger one day last week
There came to my ears an unusual squeak
I opened one bleary eye to take a peak

And I said

Now I don’t mean to gripe and grouse
But it seems to me that you’re a mouse
Are you not aware this is my house

And mouse said

I didn’t forget that I’m just a mouse
And this place here is not my house
But I know that you’ve lost your spouse

And he went on

Now for a mouse I’m getting old
And you are too, if I may be bold
We need each other, if truth be told

And on

I’ve listened to your poetry
And it has sounded very good to me
So this is where I’d like to be

I sat up and retorted

You seem to have a discerning ear
Any praise like that is nice to hear
But I’ll say no is that quite clear

and went on

My body doesn’t want to stoop
To clean up any mouse’s poop
I thought his head would start to droop

But he said

No need at all for you to scowl
When I feel action in my bowel
I’ll just take a sheet of paper towel

I see the benefit to you, I replied
Also for you he quickly cried
You’d be much safer with me at your side

Mouse went on

You lose your glasses all the time
And sometimes you cannot find a rhyme
Let’s face it you’re not in your prime

I can search out your glasses for you
Find a rhyme that works well too
Lots of things this old mouse can do

I said

I’m afraid that your squeaking would keep me awake

Mouse said

I would inhibit my squeaking, of course, for your sake

He squeaked on

Why don’t we try it just for a week
I’ll be quiet and helpful with nary a squeak
And for anything else your permission I’ll seek

I thought

Well, this seems like a decent proposition
Not to treat with contempt or derision
But could I get myself to make that decision

and thought

How would I explain a mouse living here with me
Friends would think my mind had gone to sea
I’d left this world for insanity

then realized

But my friends have left me here alone
A most sad truth that makes me groan
No one to even talk to on the phone

So why should I think and hesitate
Why not just think of this as fate
And fix some lunch for my new roommate

This was very popular in the Glen where we live and
among others (e.g., grandkids) to whom I sent it.