The goodly Mouse Wantmore – of mice and non-mice!
Wantmore was a mouse…
That his presence was known was not known unto him. His life was his attic. Here within the trunk he lived in the leather boot from Waterloo. That more than 200 years of history was its continuum, Wantmore did not mind…the boot was home. Within the trunk the medal lay…as to its significance – of no concern to this mouse. He liked it…for Wantmore it was shiny. A mameluke amidst these olden things would be desired by many, but in Wantmore’s space it hurt…it was sharp. Best to stay away.
Wantmore seldom chewed through the wool of the tunics. They were warm as they were…though the papers of the time suffered as Wantmore enjoyed scruffling through newsprint…he enjoyed the sound, shredding and texture. Wantmore however, left alone the images of the aged soldiers. These non-mice were his gallery…portraits of lost experience with which he could arrange to his liking…sideways, this way up, that way round.
At Christmas each year, the non-mice family returned to the low gables of the attic in search of tree and ornaments. It was a noisy time. Wantmore watched and waited…soon there would be green, red and blue glowing crystal lights – crumbs of cakes and cheeses, sugary things and goodness to chew.
It was Christmas…temptation this time of year would take him downstairs after their feast. In the dark Wantmore would clean up after the non-mice and then in his fullness would return to his attic.
Though Wantmore did not know this day as Christmas, he enjoyed the day as one of seemingly goodly things and kindness. Within his boot from Waterloo, Wantmore cuddled within his shreddings…drifting off to sleep, never knowing that more than most he knew Christmas well…not one of wanting, but just having the day itself.
Merry Christmas to one and all…mouse and non-mice!
Previously published Pipes of War website, 22 December 2019