I am a Mouse, it said proudly to her,
A poor little Mouse, you can tell by my fur,
My paws and whiskers give also a hint,
And the tail at my end is most significant.

*

I can see by your fur, said Alice – I do,
And also your paws and whiskers – it’s true,
But the tail at your end has me feeling quite sick,
Wriggling and squiggling ever so quick.

*

Still quite clearly, the Mouse replied,
You’d never believe it; you’d think it a lie,
If my tail didn’t move about in this house,
You would believe I was a poor Mouse.

*

Without offering Alice the chance to reply,
The Mouse let out a very long sigh,
Then creeping towards her, until ever so near,
He jumped on her shoulder and kissed her left ear.

*

Feeling such love for the poor little thing,