Stephen Nichols

Winter and The Mouse

Where do I go from here?

Running from the darkness like a child.

Wondering how did I get here?

In this raging blizzard where souls are lost.

Why can’t I see?

Is it the black snow in my soul or the fire in my heart that blinds me?

 

Hurry, hurry little mouse for the fox is on your trail and the wolf has your scent.

Winter has come and the scent of newly fallen snow hides you, but only for the moment.

A cat has come calling with its wicked smile and cruel claws.

Should you stand and fight?

Run, run  little mouse.

Run to your home with its comforts and warmth.

But its comfort is the darkness that you are hiding from.

 

Scurry, scurry little mouse.

Your blankets are the storm clouds and your warmth is the anger inside.

The Monster that lives deep within calls out and wants to battle.

Darkness once again falls over my eyes and the monster emerges.

Not against the cat, but against all who are near.

 

The mouse become a beast,

But the beast is blind and strikes against the world around him.

The glittering smile from the cat shines brightly in the dark.

Showing its true intent.

Stay strong little mouse and stay true to who you are.

The beast isn’t your downfall.

 

Listen, listen little mouse.

Although your memories haunt you,

And the pain is real.

Your family needs you.

For winter is here

And we must face the cold and the dark together to survive.