The White Faced Mouse

One winter night, several years ago, As I sat down to rest… A scampering sound I heard, And knew I had a guest. Peering o’er book and reading glasses, There to my surprise… I saw a small gray mouse staring At me with curious eyes. On his small face a white blaze, Made him different, I suppose. Had he not had that marking, I’d say “Oops! It’s one of those!” “Call in the cats…set out the traps, Or mice will overrun the place!” But this one stopped me, somehow, With that white blaze upon his face. He sat so still, most curiously… No running here and there, Just watching with those shining eyes, A friendly look…no stare. Beside me sat the plate of crackers And the bits of cheese. With the remnants of my snack… I tempted him with these. He’ll run, I’m sure, when I lay These crumbs upon the floor, He’ll disappear quick as a wink, Up and out the door… But no, he never moved… Not a whisker had he twitched! Just set about to eat his feast, While I watched…bewitched. In finishing, I swear he smiled, And looked so very pleased… To have dined on saltine crackers Which I had kindly cheesed. He licked his little whiskers clean, Washed his face with tiny paws, I’m thinking, “Well, this one now, Has broken Nature's laws…” He wasn’t done surprising yet… For he curled up on the rug, And went to sleep, I wouldn’t lie, He looked so warm and snug. In minutes though, he was up again, Mouse nap, a short reprise… But he looked full and rested, And seemed to thank me with his eyes. Then I said to him, “Please notice, Many years I have trod… And I have had strange houseguests, But never one so odd.” “I’ll tell you now, in warning… You’re a sweet thing, but ‘tis true, This house is full of cats… You’re lucky they’ve been napping, too.” “And though I think you’re okay, Would make a nice new friend… You must leave the way you came, For we mustn’t set a trend…” I swear I saw him nod his head, In simple understanding… As if he knew each word I spoke, Was kind and not demanding. With that he turned, Then walked away, toward the parlor door. I’ve never seen a white faced mouse, Since then or before.this is a true and actual story that did happen to me...i swear all i was drinking was diet soda and the only smoke in the room was from the fireplace... :) Written March 22nd, 2002 © on Mar 22 2002 02:30 PM PST   0 • 10