All the mice thanked the bird and returned to sleep.
Mr. Mouse huddled with his sons on the floor.
Many hours passed as the rain came in heaps.
The four baby mice awoke and started to weep.
They were cold and their father could not cuddle all four.
Then all five of the mice looked up from their shaking,
The vulture loomed above them, mere inches away.
The bird spread out a wing with great caution taking.
He laid it on the five tiny beasts that were quaking.
The five mice lie deep in the feathers and slept warmly that way.
In the morning the sun shone down on a scene
Curious to many if they’d seen the odd sight.
Five mice awoke in a bed of black sheen.
Then they happily finished their berry cuisine
While the vulture sat, getting warm from the light.
The sun was still rising as the other animals awoke.
They had not slept well in the cold and the rain.
They moped to the pond; not one of them spoke.
They came near the pond; the ground was soaked,
And mud and grass had filled the pond with their stain.
“We can’t drink this,” Said the chicken.
The water is muddy and gross.
We’d all get sick taking just a small dose.
Let’s go elsewhere. Is there a waterhole close?”
“Yeah, ‘der is.” The pig spoke. “It’s near.
It’s the rock bowl on the hill a mile from here.
It’s the place we sent the vulture and the mice.
Ya’ll want to go?” He did not have to ask twice.
Up on the hill there was water to spare.
The rain had turned the bowl to a pool
The mice and the vulture were lounging there.
The other beasts came in their thirsty despair.
The mouse squeaked out “Come, the water is cool.”
After the animals had drink their fill,
Mr. Duck gave out a cry.
“My daughter, do not play with those mice.
You will get sick from disease.”
He scoffed “They only pretend to be nice.
Come back to me before you get fleas.”
The duck family left the area; the others left too.
All their heads were tossed back to show their disdain.
The vulture sought to help since the mice clan looked blue.
He remembered the raspberries and away he flew.
The mice family stood sadly; it started to rain.