Ichabod and Lilly

by Therese Morin

There’s a legend that’s been spoken of and handed down thru time

’Bout a fat ole cat called Ichabod end a mouse named Lilly- Mime

For Lilly was a mimic born – possessed of talent rare

As mischievous as she could be – she just plain didn’t care.

When Ichabod walked a certain way – then Lilly did it too

Exaggerating every step behind him and she knew

That should he catch her in the act – he’d surely feel the Lout

And that would be the end of her – of that there was no doubt.

Now, Ichabod did love to snooze on a tree stump big and round

At times he’d sit and ponder things – which he thought quite profound.

He’d spend long hours in the shade – just lazing time away

He’d pick at this and swat at that – sometimes – till end of day.

The stump that housed old Ichabod was home to Lilly – too

'Twas at the bottom that she lived – a hole she’d gnawed anew

Avoiding him at any cost – became her favorite game ’

Tho Lilly knew that neath the bluster – Ichabod was tame.

And now and then he’d see her from the corner of an eye

But catching her was too much work – he’d do it bye and bye

She’d tweak his nose and knot his tail or pull a whisker out

And then and there he’d had enough and chase her all about.

Some days did pass where nothing happened – peace did seem to reign

As Ichabod slept – our Lilly thought up ways to cause him pain.

On one occasion – she had tied his tail to his hind legs

And on awakening – Ichabod did taste some bitter dregs

He hatched a plot – he thought would work – he’d catch her unaware

And just pretend to be asleep till he felt she was there

And then he’d pounce upon the mouse to teach her a thing or two

And contemplate her for his lunch for it was overdue.

Now Ichabod did get his chance – alas – it came and went

For as he thought about his scheme – his anger just got spent

What if I squash the little pest – he asked himself one day

Who will I have to haunt me then – who will I find to play?

So Ichabod and Lilly-Mime continued in their mode

She taunted him – he lunged at her – all in the same abode

How long they carried on like this – no one’s left to tell

For at the bottom of it all – they loved each other well.

T’is said that Ichabod and ’Lil’ have gone to who knows where

And all that’s left is just a stump to show that they were there

Except that every now and then – it seems that one can see

A fat ole cat called Ichabod bounce Lilly on his knee.

©1997 Therese Morin

by Therese Morin
Therese has been a pianist for many years and has worked with many notables and stars such as Barbara Streisand - and her own songs have been recorded by various artists through the years. She has recently become an ordained minister and is seeking a publisher for her channeled fables, of which this is one. You may contact her through web@spiritual-endeavors.org