Arthur

I watch in silence!
Amused!
His eyes fixed on what he seeks.

Stealthily he slinks along,
his coat so dark and sleek.

His nose sniffs the air!
He Stops!
Hesitant!
Unsure!

As night time noises assail his ears.
Watching! Waiting!
No longer confident,
but prepared if danger shows.

His hackles up, his claws on show,
back arched,eyes wide,
every sense alert.
Then!

Without warning he jumps, startled,
two foot in the air,
and dives beneath my skirt.

Then from within the bushes,
bold as brass, i'm sure i heard him laugh!
Emerges the reason for this quivering wreck,
still hiding from his foe.
A little field mouse two inches long.
Well! I had to let him go!

"Never mind Arthur," i pat his head and say,
"lets put it down to experience,
it's the one that got away."