Severed Head In Its Paws

“Of course being in the grip of death is different from being in a death grip: a suffocating grasp

made in panic or fear. The American Red Cross protocol for rescuing a drowning man used to

include knocking the victim unconscious so as to avoid any panic-induced stranglehold and the

potential drowning of both saved and savior. Perhaps being in death’s grip is being drowned by

what you are trying to save,” said the mouse’s severed head in its paws. “Get close,” it

said, “hold my neck,” it said, “now, for the singing.” And MY GOD, could that mouse head

sing.