MAN OR MOUSE, poetry written by Thomas R Bates at Spillwords.com
Tim Foster

MAN OR MOUSE

MAN OR MOUSE

written by: Thomas R Bates

 

In the midst of a good old fashioned heat wave,
I needed to go to the post office,
But I had talked myself out of it,
As it wasn’t really that urgent.
But then I said to myself—
Are you a man or a mouse?
And decided to ride my bike
Up there to take care this errand
While getting some exercise to boot.
Though hot, it was worthwhile just to see
Some families enjoying themselves cooling
Off in a creek as I rode through a park.
Rounding the last corner for home,
I heard the familiar sound of a
Catbird singing away nearby,
Seemingly without a care
In the world, embracing
This 98 degree day without
Complaint and making me feel
Welcome and glad to be a part of his life
And home again unscathed—mission accomplished.

Thomas R Bates

Thomas R Bates

Born: 3/23/51 in Minneapolis, Mn.
Education: Edina High School, University of Minnesota, Normandale State Jr. College, St. Cloud State College, Biology major, Art minor.
Was a professional fine artist, (landscape painter) for 30 years, selling approximately 750 paintings. Worked in a fine Wine Shop, in Minneapolis, MN for 30 years as a wine specialist, doing some writing for staff wine picks, as well as, writing for their web site. Has written poetry on and off since 1995, when asked to read a poem for a funeral. In the tradition of ancient Chinese & English poets, has put many of them to music.
Thomas R Bates

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