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You probably have mixed emotions when you see a mouse. Some people think they’re cute; others would call an exterminator; set traps; stand on chairs, or ignore them totally. I too have seen a few, and I salute one in this semi-tragic poem. I’m Fast When first he appeared, he was ragged and lean, A wee bit small, but an eating machine He would boast: “I’m fast. . . I’m fast!" "No matter if the trap has cheese or meat, I’m the fastest critter on four lil’ feet. I can take the bait, give the treadle a tap, And be long gone before the spring can snap. "I’m fast." "There ain’t no trap in any ol’ house, Gonna’ catch this quick lil’ mouse. I’m fast. . . Yes sir, I’m fast!" Food got scarce, and while searching for more, He left the house for a grocery store. Once inside he exclaimed, “Oh My! This must be heaven. . . what a way to die. I’m gonna’ feast!” He kept it a secret. . . his new found wealth; With all this food, he improved his health. But, it wasn’t long before he was found, Because of calling cards tiny and round. Said the grocer: “Yes sir, I got a problem.” The grocer was smart; kept feeding him cheese. Let him gorge himself, as much as he pleased. The once lean face became so round, His once gaunt belly now touched the ground. “Oh my, I’m so fat.” One day at last, right out in plain sight, Appeared more temptation than he could fight. The cheese on the treadle was meant for him; The delicious scent made his mind grow dim. “Oh dear. . . I sure am" Trying to remember how it was in the past, He drew himself up and said at last... “I’m fast, I’m so fast.” Up on the board, he climbed with a sigh. It was now a case of do or die. With his mouth on the cheese, he gave a tug, The big spring left the locking lug. . . “I’m. . .” Well. . . believe it or not, he got away. It’s true, he lived to see another day. Some lessons learned, are lessons to heed. One has to be careful where they feed. He said, “ouch”, ouch, oh my ouch." In some neighborhood is one lucky mouse He might be seen, running through your house. You will know him. . . of that I am sure, He lost his tail at the grocery store. He now says, "that's the long and short of this tale." YarnSpinner copyright 2014