The (W)hole Experience (Poetry)

‘I’m afraid it is
such a long way down
and if I can’t swim
then I’ll surely drown —
help me someone, please!’

‘Oh, don’t fuss so much
or you’ll wake the pig
take the cook’s best spoon
and begin to dig
but try not to sneeze’

‘But your Majesty’
said Alice sweetly
‘this (w)hole riddle has
me lost completely —
can’t see wood for trees!’

The Red Queen snorted
‘Where is that rabbit? —
it’s almost Thursday
quick — someone grab it!
set the traps with cheese’

‘I think that’s for mice’
Alice said shrinking
back in her own bed
waking up thinking
that was a tight squeeze!