The Not-So-Nice-Mice
By Blanche Day Manos
(Part II)
“What?”the spider shouted. “I’ve never heard of that.
“I think you’ve got this backward. You are a mixed-up cat.”
“The mice are quick,” Tom whimpered. “I could not catch a one.
“And they all tend to laugh at me because I cannot run.”
“Hmm,” the spider muttered, squinching up her eyes,
“The answer to this problem is you need to exercise.
“You eat and sleep and laze about, your muscles are too soft.
“I think I know the remedy. Let’s go up to the loft.
“Climb these rafters, lift this straw; slide down upon this beam.
“And when the farmer feeds you, go easy on the cream.”
One night the mice grew bolder. They swarmed both low and high.
Then Tom Cat was awakened by a tiny, tearful cry.
A ring of vicious rodents glared at Tom’s spider friend.
“Help me!” the spider pleaded, “or I have met my end.”
With teeth and toenails flashing, Tom tore across the floor.
The mice retreated suddenly and scampered for the door.
Tom howled and yowled and snarled and growled as mice ran left and right.
Tom chased them over hill and dale ’til they were lost to sight.
When Tom returned to the old barn, a strange sound met his ears.
He heard, “Hooray!” and, “What a cat!” And loud and lusty cheers.
“What a relief!” the rooster crowed. “We’re free of mice at last.”
“You’re wonderful,” the hens agreed, “You’re brave and strong and fast.”
The spider dangled downward upon a dainty thread
And sat in furry fellowship on Tom’s triumphant head.
“When facing fear,” she whispered, “he wins who only tries.”
“Now I’m prepared,” Tom answered, “for I’ll always exercise.”
–The End–
Speak Your Mind