It's a little brown rat. And it is seated
furtively on the floor of my porch
selectively taking advantage of what we
put out for the mixed bestiary that
visit us. Its fur is brown and it has a
small fat rump with a shortish tail. It
doesn't know I'm watching and waiting
for it to turn toward me so I can see the
little face head on. It cannot know how
despised a creature it is held responsible
for the spread of historical plagues.
Not this little creature but some faroff
members of its extended family. They
have a bad reputation that taints humanity's
view of the species but it would have
no understanding of that, too. Among
the squirrels and chipmunks, rabbits and
skunks, raccoons and cardinals that tend
to visit none others carry such a burden.
To us, he's a curiosity, a wild creature
taking advantage of opportunities while
remaining vigilant lest a traditional enemy
living a pampered life in a nearby house
stalk and threaten him with certain death.
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