The Weight of Expectations

The tiny mouse is eating her small piece of cheese

Eyeing the cat roaming outside her hideout.

The volatiles of the fragrant treat travel through her nose

Mingling among those, some musky, feline effluvium.

The cheese is eaten, the cat remains.

The little mouse stares at her path.

There is no choice, she has no voice.

The cellar is across the room,

The community is whispering to her

“You have to go, we need the cheese

That’s your destiny, there is no alternative

Be brave, work hard and shine”.

The path is arduous, she can tell

She sees the remains of those who tried

And failed.

Glancing by the window, she watches the neighbouring mice

Playing in the yard, flirting with the grass,

Running on the logs, jumping in the puddles.

Poor mice, don’t they know?

Tomorrow the grass will wither,

The logs will burn, and the puddles will dry.

Her gaze focuses back onto the cat

She can do it, she’s fast and lithe!

She will run to the table, side slide under the sink

Go around the fridge, leap into the cellar.

The cat won’t know, the cat won’t see.

Her heart is pounding and she rushes out!

She makes it to the table, the cat bristles

She slides under the sink, the cat springs

Outraged, the beast hisses at her

His stern eyes drilling into her heart

He can see her, he won’t let go

He will set up an ambush, wearing her down.

What can she do?

What can she do?

Her body is shaking, she observes the sweaty prints:

Her tiny paws leave marks on the dust.

She has failed, is there another path?

Behind the sink, there is a hole.

The trail is dark, unknown ahead.

Fear takes hold of her, she’s paralyzed.

She looks at the beast, sharp teeth

Quick death, so easy.

No more fear, no more pressure.

The sweetness of abandon, the calm of eternity.

The choice is hers, she may find her voice.