'Will I ever grow another tail?'
Mervyn asked one day.
'I do quite like my rubber band
But it does get in my way.'

Henry gave a gentle ping
And told him not to fret,
But Lucy thought the hospital
Was far the safest bet.

'A good idea,' they all agreed.
We'll let them take a look,
So pack his best pyjamas
And fetch his favourite book.'

On arrival at the hospital
They were asked to take a seat
Everything was spic and span:
Everyone looked neat.

'I like the nurse with spiky hair
I bet she's sweet and kind,
Surely she'll look after me...
Well, I wouldn't mind.'

'Be quiet!' a voice commanded.
'You mustn't shout in here,
You're only meant to WHISPER
Have I made myself clear?'

'Oh, w...w...wheatgerms,' stammered Mervyn,
'I'm not here for the fun,
Might I have a milky tea
And a juicy currant bun?'
'P L E A S E'.

The others went to buy it
But no sooner had they gone
When someone ordered, 'Mervyn Mouse
Get off your sit-upon!'

'Just follow me,' young Mervyn
(It was the nurse with spiky hair)
Get those clothes and wellies off
And pop yourself up there.'

Mervyn did as he was asked
And lay upon the bed
Feeling quite embarrassed
And wishing he were dead....

'What has happend to my friends,
Where's my milky tea?'
'Everyone has disappeared,
They've ALL deserted me.'

'Mervyn Mouse,' do calm yourself
They couldn't have gone far,
Now, what's your favourite T.V show
And who's your favourite star?'

'I like the horror movies,
Well, I had a little peep
But usually I read in bed
Until I fall asleep.'

Then suddenly he gave a yell
And sprang onto the floor
Charged the little spiky nurse
And ran out through the door....

......Onward through the babies ward
And out the otherside....
'Surely,' panted Mervyn,
'There is somewhere I can hide?'

Then he spied a trolly
Covered by a sheet
And climbing up he hid himself
(Well, all except his feet).

And there he lay for hours
His fur a mass of steam
Until, at last, exhausted
He fell into a dream.....

DREAM......

'Wheel this patient through
To the surgical theatre
Make sure that he's comfortable
We'll soon have him better.'

'WHATEVER ARE YOU DOING?'
Mervyn tried to shout.....

'I'm the doctor my dear boy
Who takes your tonsils out!'

'My TONSILS!' panicked Mervyn.
'But I haven't got a lump
I'm only here to have a chat
About my little stump.'

'Nonsense! We must operate,
Now don't get so excited
With those nasty tonsils out
You'll soon feel most delighted!'

'NO...No...you cannot have them
They belong to me
HENRY, LUCY, SKINNY BILL
Oh, buns and milky tea?'

COMING OUT OF THE DREAM....

.....He heard their voices calling
And sat up straight in bed
One hand clutched around his throat
The other on his head.......

END OF DREAM......

'Here he is,' the doctor called,
'Underneath this sheet
Panting like a rabbit
And wiggling his feet.'

'Doctor,' whispered Mervyn
'Am I any worse
Have you got my tonsils
Or are they with the nurse?

'Suppose I'll eat jelly ALL MY LIFE
All I ask is why?
No more buns and milky tea
I think I'd rather die.'

'You've been dreaming dear MM
But never mind old chap
Let me take a look at you
Just sit here on my lap.

'Em, I see you have a problem
(Apart from being Fat)
Mice do not grow tails again
And that dear boy is that!'

'Hi there!' called the others
We've been watching Telly
They're out of buns and milky tea
So...we've got you....RASPBERRY JELLY!'

by Sylvia Creche

Author of the Mervyn Mouse Books