Ms. Papillae

The worst of us like a mouse

Two steps forward, then back hiding in our holes

Well, it’s the way it has to be

Meek voiced, timid shoulders, small hands, covered in papillae

Mice have survived for a reason

Mice won’t help you build

Mice take and hide away

Had a leaky bucket so

The cowboy set mouse traps

That weeded out a few but

Mother mouse licks her palms in anxious delight

She’s still here, the others have left

And we’ve given up paying attention

Whiskers bounce as she takes two steps

Then hides