Rat

Into the well of his hearing Go mouse squeaks, barn creaks Hootings and whirrings and scratchings. The crunch of a cow's long teeth Mashing the grass to milk. If I hold him, a throbbing parcel, His delicate innards ripple across my palm Like busy continents. His Geisha nails are manicured and sharp You could pluck a harp With a set of talons like those. Rat, are you a useful species? Can we pet you, ride you, eat you? Can we skin you, rule you, fleece you? No? Well you'll have to go. Mr Tufty squirrel's cute... He'll suit. But rat, with your tail As trollopy as raffia, You're just about as welcome as The Mafia. Your eyes are rubies Set in a snow-white face. Forgetting you're taboo, I stroke you, hear the whisper of your breathing The stigma that you carry Snaps in two.