Rat Song

written by


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When you hear me singing
you get the rifle down
and the flashlight, aiming for my brain, 
but you always miss

and when you set out the poison 
I piss on it
to warn the others.

You think: That one’s too clever, 
she’s dangerous, because
I don’t stick around to be slaughtered 
and you think I’m ugly too
despite my fur and pretty teeth 
and my six nipples and snake tail. 
All I want is love, you stupid 
humanist. See if you can.

Right, I’m a parasite, I live off your 
leavings, gristle and rancid fat, 
I take without asking
and make nests in your cupboards 
out of your suits and underwear. 
You’d do the same if you could,

if you could afford to share 
my crystal hatreds.
It’s your throat I want, my mate 
trapped in your throat.
Though you try to drown him 
with your greasy person voice,
he is hiding / between your syllables 
I can hear him singing.

© Margaret Atwood