when the cat is away the mice
congregate on the dining table
the queen herself perches atop
the salt shaker to give commands
across her ranks while she waves
a closed pink cocktail umbrella
for emphasis. mice scamper
every which way, the strongest
among them teamed to
crank open a pull-tab can while others
fluff the blankets left in boxes
around the small house, even as
several more use their very bodies
to clean the window that overlooks
the garden bird bath, all of them
completing their tasks just in time
the front door opens, the cat
released just within as the human
calls out, 'I hope you can sleep.
I'll see you after work!'
the person departs without entering
the cat hobbles forward, one leg
swathed in blue bandages
'how are you feeling?'
'is your leg all better?'
the mice cry
jabbering as they point to the bed,
the window, the ready food
the cat purrs gratitude as
the mouse queen strolls over
open umbrella balanced
upon her shoulder
'welcome home,' she says
and she pats
the white patch over his nose