The animals reached the barn; they heard a loud crack.
They stopped and did not enter; their hearts raced in their chests.
The raging wind kept up its attack,
The animals cringed and stepped back,
As the barn collapsed in a splintered mess.
The animals were frozen with shock and despair.
Then, four small creatures appeared in the rubble.
The four tiny mice, one behind the other, were there.
The front mouse was pulling on a wing that was ensnared.
Mr. and Mrs. Duck waddled out to the mice on the double.
The other animals followed suit and got in line.
Each animal bit firmly on the tail of the creature in front.
The mice, then the ducks, the chicken, the swine,
The goat, then the horse; the cow was farthest behind.
They pulled ‘til the young duck was free from her bind.
The animals began to leave and take cover,
Except for the mice, they turned and peeped:
“Our daddy and friend are trapped in this heap.
Help us find them. Help us!” They cheeped.
Mr. Duck yelled “The bird took my daughter.
Because of him, she almost died.
He wanted to eat so he needed her slaughtered.”
The animals turned to leave; the little mice cried.
“He was trying to save me.” The little duck called.
“The vulture and mouse were helping. They tried...”
However, in the blustery gale, no one heard her at all.
Instead, the creatures ran off to find a safe place to hide.
The four little mice, after a moment of fright,
Followed the others to find a safe cover.
Under the rubble, the vulture woke to the shambled sight.
The mouse lie beside him and did not seem to move in the nominal light.
The vulture nudged with his beak, unsure what he might discover.
The mouse did not open his eyes but he gasped and he twitched.
Then he spoke slowly in his high, squeaky pitch.
“My friend, I fear that I soon pass away.
For the first time, I do not want you to join me today.
When I’m gone, eat me so that a hunger-death can be delayed.
When I’m gone, eat me so that hunger will not take you my way.”
Then he continued in slow, focused breaths.
“Sleep, sleep, rest your whiskers, not a peep.
Deam of fruit and lotus seed.
Go to sleep.” His voice was quiet and shrill.
Go to sleep, sleep-“And then he was still.