Squeak in the Summerlands (for Louise)

A Poem by Richard Novak

'Nico,' Squeak squeals. 'Are you here, bro? I've come
Louise is heartbroken, as you must know
The family grieves and Bubble is numb'
'Yes,' a voice answers. 'They'll go on e'en so.

A-turning, the rat soon espied his kin
Whiskers twitching, claws scuffing, the two met
Excited, niether new where to begin
So chose to perform a rat pirouette

'Look 'round. my dear brother! Not one cat near
Nor are there any traps to engender
Feelings of wan trepidation and fear
While to sensuous joy we surrender.'

Scurrying onward the brothers with ease
Knew to get started they'd first cut the cheese