Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem “And God Created Mice” offers an amusing yet poignant reflection on human-animal relationships through the narrator’s interactions with mice. By blending humor, empathy, and philosophical undertones, Field explores themes of control, compassion, and the quirks of personality in both humans and animals.

The poem begins with a humorous disruption to the narrator's calm evening routine: “I was doing yoga one night / when a mouse walked across the rug calmly in front of me.” The juxtaposition of the serene activity with the sudden appearance of a mouse creates an immediate sense of contrast and invites a relatable reaction from the reader. This surprising intrusion prompts the narrator to “act,” leading to the setting up of a humane trap: “I baited the Have-a-Heart trap with cheese, and caught 5 mice in 24 hours.”

Field’s decision to use a Have-a-Heart trap underscores the narrator's desire to deal with the mice compassionately, reflecting a reluctance to cause harm. However, he recalls a previous attempt to use a glue trap, which resulted in a more distressing experience: “When I picked up the box with the mouse inside, its paws stuck in the glue, it was screaming.” This graphic description creates a visceral image, contrasting sharply with the narrator’s gentle intention and making the reader sympathize with the mouse's plight. Ultimately, the narrator decides to drown the trapped mouse, an action that evokes guilt and discomfort.

In this reflection, the narrator acknowledges his brother’s understanding of “mouse psychology,” emphasizing the inevitable nature of the mice’s attraction to cheese: “They can't not go for the cheese, he said, and once they take the bait, the trapdoors drop.” This scientific analysis lends a humorous yet tragic inevitability to the fate of the mice.

The poem shifts from a humorous to a more empathetic tone as the narrator describes releasing the trapped mice: “When I released them in the rock garden in the courtyard, each one had its own little mouse personality and reacted differently to being set free in the wilds.” Field anthropomorphizes the mice, attributing unique “personalities” to each one, which invites readers to consider the individual experiences of these creatures.

Some mice “scooted out of the trap, / happy to be free in the new world of outdoors,” while others “were reluctant and held on, having to be shaken from the cage.” The variety of reactions reflects different coping mechanisms and provides a humorous yet touching commentary on the unpredictability of behavior. One mouse “even stood on a rock and looked up at me,” suggesting a moment of mutual recognition between human and animal.

Field further deepens the connection between human and mouse by describing them as “perfect little creatures,” with the narrator momentarily considering keeping them: “for a moment, I considered keeping them in a big box, and feeding them, then said, Oh, no! / I already look crazy enough.” This admission introduces a layer of self-awareness and humor, revealing the narrator's recognition of the thin line between compassion and eccentricity.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to explore the narrative in a conversational and fluid manner. The absence of formal rhyme or meter reflects the natural progression of the narrator’s thoughts, enhancing the intimacy and authenticity of the storytelling.

Field’s straightforward and unembellished language captures both the humorous and poignant aspects of the narrator’s experience. The title, “And God Created Mice,” alludes to the biblical creation narrative, suggesting a divine significance in even the smallest creatures. This allusion contrasts sharply with the mundane reality of setting traps and reflects Field’s ability to find profundity in everyday encounters.

“And God Created Mice” ultimately explores the complexity of human attitudes toward animals, revealing the contradictions inherent in our attempts to coexist with nature. By blending humor, empathy, and self-awareness, Edward Field provides a whimsical yet insightful commentary on control, compassion, and the delicate balance between human and animal lives.

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