Return of a Beloved Rodent

 

It’s been years, Mickey –

I’d say well more than  fifty

and suddenly you turn up

in a box from family

I receive in the mail.

You’re a bit worse for wear,

but don’t give it a thought!

Aren’t we all?

In any case,

the moment I saw your beaming face,

I didn’t care about the ravages of time

because you are here with me in my very own home.

 

I know you belong to my brother,

not me,

 but from the moment I saw you again

I was captivated

I was charmed

I swore I’d help you get yourself together.

 

Where have you been all this time?

In a basement or attic,

or stuffed in a drawer

for years

when no one sought you,

hugged you,

loved you.

No one even washed your face!

In the fabric of your body,

a tear reveals

a hint of ancient stuffing.

And your black mouse ears

and your shoes and pants and hands

– all gone.

 

You were my brother Johnny’s special friend.

I close my eyes and see the two of you again,

him holding you tight.

 

He lives continents away just now,

but don’t despair!

I’ll take care of you until he comes to get you.

I’ll put you back together.

You may remember, I know how to sew.

I’ll make new hands and gloves for you,

And shoes and skin and clothes

and I’ll keep an eye on you. ‘til he comes back.

 

You and I, Mickey,

it’s true, we may be aging,

but we’ll age with joy together, dearest mouse!

 

                                    Kate Lydon Varley