I Envy The Rats Poem by Kyle Schlicher

We have some big,
mean looking rats
over here.
They are not afraid of us
that's for sure.

They act like
they own the place.
Like we are
in the way
and owe them a meal.

They are everywhere
including the bunkers.

I guess
they don't like being shelled either.

I try not to leave
anything edible
out where they can find it.

I always shake my boots out
just in case
one is sleeping in them.

Also,
I never stick my hand
inside an opening
I can't see in.

They will bite.

They have tiny,
razor like teeth
that I swear
shine in the dark.

As disgusting
as they are,
how I envy them.

They are home
where they belong
and
I am
over
here
where
they tolerate
my presence
for yet another night.

(8-17-1968)