Okay, the above picture is the latest rat casualty. One would think *that* alone would inspire some rat poetry. But, no... The Tracinator has been grading madly and has no time for rat poetry it seems. In fact, I am most overdue in publishing this latest gem from a gifted rat poet. It is the start of the weekend though, so I figure I can devote a few minutes to publishing Ali K's latest contribution:
"Haute Cuisine---Rodent Style...
I've seen rats in cages
but never outside.
I've heard tell of some
because of where they reside;
they will hide there all day for the secret it holds...
the city's worst alley
gross, and smelling of mold.
Most humans find a new way to go
(I certainly do)
delivery guys, workers going in the back door
of the city's famed eatery;
the rats know the score
(they're not dumb!)
Legendary are they
not just because of their size
but for what they know will be coming outside.
For these rats are gourmands
won't eat any old trash
but only the best French leftover scraps!
all day they watch, sit there and wait
for the chefs to throw out the old bouillabaise;
baguettes, creme brulee,
coq au vin might emerge.
The dumpster outside holds all they deserve
(well, they believe that).
New rats vie for a place on the block
but they're quizzed
"what makes up a good chicken stock?"
they don't know; many do fail,
which brings the cautionary part of this tale:
don't walk down this alley
unless you're a chef,
for the rats will not tolerate anything less!
---Ali K (2009---original)
And now it's "Ack!"
To grading back.
