love and the rat

    the rat is
    a clean animal
    strong for its size
    and brave
    fierce and knowing
    confident and
    independent

    it has been said the rat
    has mystic powers
    the ability to pass through
    the smallest space
    to subsist on next to
    nothing

    the rat is a friendly
    loyal and caring pet
    will pass up food
    for attention
    and soothes
    at your caress

    the rat will eat
    most anything
    will be happy as
    a vegetarian
    though it must gnaw on
    something hard now and then
    so its teeth do not become
    dull
    or too long

    I tell you this
    so that when I say
    your love is a rat
    that lives in my heart
    you will not
    misunderstand


      Michael McNeilley
      © 1997


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