Susannah

She has lice in her head right now; she got it in the park

in the trash can, they put crabs in the trash cans after dark

and she goes digging in there for real for food.

Mango pulled some giant bugs from her head right now, dude.

It was so sick. It was terrifying; this is so screwed.

“You have a new pet; you showed me your pet.”

Yeah, just a while ago, I just found him on the road. He got hit.

“He looks so clean and soft.” Yes, he is so soft and clean—

They come to visit me; they come after people have been mean

and they get a special bath when they’re dirty

they know I’ll give ’em a bath, make ’em purdy.

“Did he get hurt?” Yes, he got hurt—he got bit by a puppy.

He’s so sweet, so clean, and so soft, and lucky

that I found him with his feet stuck in the hole

I washed him and made him whole.”

“This rat’s name is Kerry Kulligan,

I just found him on Fig and Seven,

and it’s not time for him for heaven.

I love him; he is beautiful, soft, and clean,”

I bathed him, loved him, and put medicine on him

And cleaned him things with alcohol—his feet and fur.

I washed off the blood, and he looks better. He’s a little cold,

he is my rat, and I will not allow him to be sold.

A dog bit him right through her nose. He’s having a hard time

with breathing, but he has a heartbeat; I put him by my cheek

I think he may have already died because he’s so weak

I would buy him food if I had a single dime, so you have a dime?”

If I would’ve picked him up from the road, he would’ve been smushed

I picked up a family of rats in the road; I can’t see them crushed.

Their bodies are a little cold, a little bit but I’ve got medicine

And I’m trying to give him, and all these rats, the best care I can.