• To a Mouse

    On Turning Her up in Her Nest with the Plough, November, 1785

    WEE, sleekit, cowerin’, timorous beastie,
    O, what a panic ’s in thy breastie!
    Thou needna start awa sae hasty,
              Wi’ bickering brattle!
    I wad be laith to rin an’ chase thee,
              Wi’ murdering pattle!

    I ’m truly sorry man’s dominion
    Has broken nature’s...

    Robert Burns

  • Grief is a Mouse —

    Grief is a Mouse —

    And chooses Wainscot in the Breast

    For His Shy House —

    And baffles quest —


    Grief is a Thief — quick startled —

    Pricks His Ear — report to hear

    Of that Vast Dark —

    That swept His Being — back —


    Grief is a Juggler — boldest at the Play —

    ...