Domestic or House Mouse (Mus musculus). Photo Credit: George Shuklin via Wickipedia Commons

Negative Capability

Firm black turds—like sesame seeds—have popped up
again on the white formica this morning.  “Kill
the little mouse, the mouse that’s in the house.  He’s eating up my home, and soon he’ll wider roam…,” I sing

as I make tea and toast. Suddenly, everyone has them.
Mice. (Was it the truly bitchy December
that drove them indoors?)  X hopes to get along with hers.
They have pups.  Y wants them “disappeared”

like dissidents from Argentina.  I’ve tried peanut butter.
I’ve tried cheese.  (Once, one of the traps banged shut by itself
at 3:00 a.m and scared me to death.)  The couple
downstairs—call them Mr. Big & Mr. Little—are fighting

again.  At breakfast!  If I were a mouse, what would I do?
And who would listen if I chose to squeak?

*Click on the audio icon below to hear Malcolm Farley read his poem “Negative Capability.”