i opened the cabinet and

there were two mice
stuck in a trap

the size contrasting
and i imagine one to be the mom.

when i was young there would be
nights where i would wake up

because my calves were too sore
from chasing things i couldn’t catch

and when the pain was too much,
i’d follow the kitchen’s warmth to

collapse in your arms
and fall asleep again.

to sleep is to dream and to
dream is to spend it with you

i carried the mouse trap outside

frantic. waving it to be free
while the other mouse was squirming

next to its lifeless parent and i thought:

in a lifetime without you

would i squirm the same way?