To a mouse

What bond is this
betwixt you and me?
You live to die in captivity.
What bond is this?

I care for you,
give food and water,
change cages, wean your sons from daughters.
I care for you.

You are a cure
wrapped in paws and fur.
Our science asks and you answer.
You are a cure.

I respect you,
what you represent,
and your tiny death I will lament.
I respect you.

I have no name for you.
You are not a pet.
You are an answer that's not said yet.
I have no name for you.

You are the future
of wellness and health
hidden by nature's canny stealth.
You are the future.

What bond is this
that you and I share?
We are the guardians of welfare.
What bond is this?