There are worse things than rats in the subway

if signs saying “please no spitting”

are necessary. 

And an inquisitive rodent

that centuries ago spread the plague in Europe

but that now is probably healthier than your dog

really shouldn’t preoccupy you.

and yes I know about leptospirosis

but bear with me.

Rats are great!

A pet rat once saved a whole family

by running up to his owner’s bedroom at night

when the apartment caught on fire.

I once tried to save two orphan baby rats.
I fed them every four hours.
They made adorable noises.

They died,

nonetheless.