E-rat-o Is My Muse

I was working on a unit for my lit class.... entitled "Love and Its Complications" and was inspired. I happened to think about the Muse of lyric poetry (particularly love poetry) whose name is Erato. Most appropriate...

"The Passionate Poet to Her (well, not really "hers"--- but temporarily so) Rats"

Come live with me and be my rats,

And we will hang, and chill, an 'at (this line is a nod to Pittsburgh).

The cages, tile, carpets, and floors...

May not be pretty, but who needs moors (those damned Brontes).

And we will sit upon the couch.

You'll dig your claws in, and I'll say "Ouch!"

We will frolic, dance, and romp.

And on your heads, I shall dare not stomp.

And I will make thee beds of Kleenex

And a thousand things on which to pee next.

A hiding place of an oatmeal box--

A nest of washcloths or old (clean) socks.

And every morning a banana slice...

Scrambled egg at night is nice...

Froot Loops, Cheez-its, Yogurt Yummies

Shall all find ways into your tummies.

And when your cage is being washed,

I'll let you watch TV, by gosh!

If these delights outweigh the cats,

Then live with me and be my rats.

---Tracinator (with a nod to Christopher Marlowe)