They Gathered Outside My House

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Sponsor: John Lawless

22 May 2024

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Unlike the model T Ford
They come in both black and brown
And also unlike model T
It’s brown that is getting me down 

But what I refer to is no early car
And it isn’t a cute little mouse
It’s whopping great rats and they frightened my cats
As they gathered outside my house

I’ve baited the snap traps with chocolate and cheese
And, boy, are those rats hard to please
I’ve even tried peanuts and freshly popped peas
And tuna was barely a tease

They’re climbing my bird table like they’re on speed
And wolfing down copious volumes of seed 
They extricate bait out of all of the traps
I’ll catch one tomorrow… perhaps… perhaps

Those hideous creatures are still in my yard
Should catching some rats ever be quite this hard 
I’m halfway doolally from rodent war-games
And totally bonkers… for giving them names.

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John Lawless

Date: 8/18/2024 9:00:00 AM

Having worked on the Boston waterfront I know a RAT when I see one....I thought there was a bit of a politically tinged metaphor hidden in the nest.

Terry Flood
Date: 8/18/2024 2:23:00 PM

Thanks, John. No politics intended. But a fairly accurate account of my battles with rats (from the farm we back onto). Thankfully I think I’ve won through now… till next time ;-)

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 5/22/2024 3:24:00 PM

Don’t become too fond of those rats, they won’t give you any love back. A most enjoyable humorous read Terry… Beryl

Terry Flood
Date: 5/22/2024 3:44:00 PM

Thanks, Beryl. We back onto farmland so those pesky rodents come around every spring. This year’s batch are the cleverest ever! Glad you enjoyed. Terry