half-dead they do linger

machines tinkle and purr

medics swathed in plastic

distressed humans a-stir

 

beneath ICU wards and

amid odd cavities galore

smaller fauna breathes

distant the muffled roar

 

who considers the mice?

they live in hospital too

a big enough challenge

without this virus stew

 

if you listened carefully

on dozing wards at night

you'd hear odd squeaks

small mouse lungs tight

 

on their desperate quest

sniffing for spare oxygen

we dont consider mice

only women and men

 

laboratories they serve

dissected for research

our allies amid this fight

pray for mice at church

 

mouse intensive care?

miniature oxygen tents?

masks over furry faces,

consider NHS rodents!