Wayward Mouse Poem by Sidi Mahtrow

Wayward Mouse



First we saw him in the middle of the living room floor
Quiet as a mouse is what came to mind
We looked away and he was gone
What to do?

With two cats,
Better to let things
Take their course.
But where were the cats?

The books on the lower shelf of the case in disarray
Tossed on the floor in a heap.
Mystery solved, one of the cats had crawled behind
And was pushing them out in a fever.

Was the mouse behind or under the case?
No mouse in sight
And yet here was the big cat.
Suddenly he too was gone.

There under the coffee table made of ancient grape vines
Forming a twisted support for the glass top.
The large cat forcing himself through openings too small,
Searching, paws extended into hidden spaces.

Where is the mouse?
No sighting, no sound; yet diligent pursuit
Then an occasional mew, calling out the mouse,
'Come and be Captured.'

This too came to a close
Both cats in the window looking out
Giving the mouse a respite
Before the chase to be renewed.

Late at night, a soft pounding
The big cat is at it again
Pulling books from the case
Searching, searching.

Then quiet.
The cats join us in our quilts.
Snuggling. All is well.
In the morning, the mouse is found.

There amongst the covers
The mouse,
Omar's mouse
Somewhat chewed upon.

But still soft, tail extended
Sparkles of color, flower
Designs on the soft fabric
A mouse that only a cat could love.

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