The Radiologist's Cave — The Mouse Grows Up…

Written and Illustrated by Dr. Imran Lasker

A mouse had a request,
And the request was good,

To an underground cave,
Is where he went to enlist,
The help of a kind, elusive radiologist,

But on the way,
He encountered a fox,
“Hi little mouse what have you got?

“It’s a scan request can’t you see,
I’m taking it with me to radiology”,

“Don’t go there”, said the sly old fox
“They’re mean and cruel,
And will eat up your socks!”

“My socks! Oh wow, that is so odd,
What shall I do now, Mr Fox?”
“You have no choice! Be gone! They are near!”
And off he ran in tremendous fear.

The mouse went on, looking down with a frown,
Then out of nowhere,
An owl swooped down,

“Hello little mouse, what is this I see?
Is that a request for radiology?”

“Don’t go there, please my friend I implore,
They’re mean, and cruel and will throw you out of the door!”

“Out of the door? Oh dear, what can I do?
“Nothing my friend! and away owl flew!”

The mouse went on and his hand began to shake,
Then from out of the corridor appeared a snake!

“I wouldn’t go any further if I were you,
Down there is a creature, bigger than you,

If not physically, but in the head at least,
He’ll take one look at you,
And have a big feast!”

“A feast? Oh dear,
Mr snake, will you help me…please?

“Ok little mouse, listen to me…carefully,
A long time ago, I heard once at least,
That they like good manners,and smiley teeth,

And with that, to you farewell I bid!”,
The snake slid away,
And quickly hid.

The mouse stepped through the radiologist’s cave,
Standing up straight, the request he waved,

“Who’s there? What is this I see?
Is it yet another request for me?”

“No I cannot, Don’t jest, this is the last straw,
Please stop I implore you!
Please stop! No more!

The radiologist then fell to his knees,
Mouse said, “Just this last one I promise,
And my consultant said…please?”

“Please? They said please? Well you should have said!”
And he took the request and patted mouse’s head,

“I’ll get it done,
Right away!
Now out you go,
And have a good day!”

Out stepped the mouse,
feeling smug and brave,
As he tiptoed out of the radiologist’s cave.