NICE MICE
by John T. Baker
A merry little band of mice                                         
(Some sixty-six or seven)
All died one day and straightaway
Proceeded up to Heaven

St. Peter proudly greeted them,
“You’ve all been such good mice,
We warmly welcome you and want
To give you something nice.

“What would you like?”  The mice conferred
Beneath the Pearly Gates,
Then said, “St. Peter, if we could,
We’d all like roller skates.”

“Of course,” St. Peter sweetly smiled,
“And then you can compete.”
He clapped his hands and instantly
The skates were on their feet.

So merrily the mice rolled round
The avenues of Heaven
Both day and night with great delight,
All sixty-six or seven.

But then one day a cat arrived
To garner his just due;
“You’ve been tiptop,” St. Peter said,
“What can we do for you?”

“Why, not a thing!” the cat exclaimed,
“I’m just so glad to be
Up Here at last I’m sure that I’ll
Rejoice eternally.”

“Well said, well done,” St. Peter beamed,
“But please do let us know
At any time if anything
Seemed better Down Below.”

Next week the cat showed up again,
Now sleek from head to heels,
“I want to just express my thanks
For all the Meals On Wheels.”