Monosonnet for Rats: Interrupted

Painting by Kathy Swift


Monosonnet for Rodents, Interrupted

The
Exterminator
Said,
“You
Don't
Have
Rats,
Sir,

I’ve only found three skeletons and a cluster
of fur. No, I don’t think you’re paranoid.
I believe that you’ve heard rodent noise.
I think you’re still playing host for those pests.
I still think they’re making their nests, but,
sir, I’ve been down a lot of holes,
and a lot of rats have been down my shirts,
and you need to be told the facts.
You don’t have rats;

You’ve
Got
The
Ghosts
Of
Rats.”


Sherman Alexie

Posted over on Blackbird