This morning I lifted the lid
Of my black plastic compost bin
To deposit the pulled up and unwanted
Assortment of weeds, leaves and grass cuttings
And there amongst the rotting discards of earlier deposits
Were two beady eyes staring upwards
At the new void above now filled with light
Those eyes were those of a small and pristine creature
With a spotless coat of light brown fur
Unsullied by the mass of putrid waste around it
Without hint of contamination from the engulfing
Mass of decaying vegetation, slugs, woodlice, and eggshells
A perfect creature feasting on an apple core
Its tiny form remained pristine and wholesome
Despite its unkempt surroundings
Frightened by the shock of sudden light intrusion
It burrowed downwards into the tangle of debris
Seeking a safe haven away from light and human threat
It was a wood mouse
A rodent that had strayed from its woodland sanctuary
A rare and wonderful sight
But had it been a rodent rat, as well it could
I would be the one that scurried away
In fear and trepidation