BLISSFUL MOUSE The mouse runs back and forth Across the Persian rug. Rodent in Paradise At musing times my fingers caress Close-cropped pile, velvety smooth, Trace the intricate outline Guls, stylised flowers and tramline borders Blues, browns, greens and creams. A bright blend, on blue ground A Persian garden Smoothing out the silken fringes I am back in Iran Re-living the hot humid days Relishing rare cool breezes The telephone rings Daydream disappears. Fingertips on my Mouserug An Isfahan replica. Opulence For my mouse