House Mouse

Crumb-snatcher’s kinsman,

Quern-licker’s offspring,

Burrow-dweller,

Bread-nibbler’s grandchild,

Of scaly tail

and scurrying paws,

Quivering nose

and quavering whiskers,

Ears like clovers

and eyes like black gems,

Nut-gnawing teeth

and night-dark coat.

No fear hath she

of fire-taming men,

But nips at their heels

and nibbles their grain.