Reeds and Clay Tablets

Mice scrabble within the walls,
matching their own elusive script before they fall
prey to quick trap or poison that lies about:
the written word to destruction juxtaposed.

Nor shall I read their lineage.  Their trace I void,
sweep it from shelf and desk top.  They have the walls,
and I have heard my fill of their broken tongue,
being weary of whores and worried for Babylon.