Many mice in the cage
and the light stays on
longer and longer
The tension is rising

We distract them
with snacks and drinks
sickeningly sweet or alcoholic
both work

We turn up the heating
We add some more mice
The squeaking swells

Give us a home of our own
Give us an outside
Give us more time
Give us the night back

Give us the guts
to go to sleep
when we are tired
and to leave the cage

to venture back into the world
without chagrin, without a grin
and without living unhealthy