RIP Stanley, 1908-2008

STANLEY DIED

RIP, hairless rat wonder

Stanley died
for days – for at
least one week we
knew death was coming whether
instant or laborious the result
is the same the last hug is
always the saddest – his plump
body gone bony his limbs
limpid, weak – he seemed
weary, resolved not afraid of
death coming as if he knew
he was going to heaven – because
all pets, they all go to
heaven.

-Ryn Gargulinski, 10/15/08

New Rat Stanley in all his hairless glory

ODE TO MICA

Dec. 2007 – Jan. 2008

I buried my rat in
the front
so

her grave would
face west towards the
sunset

I could
see the soft mound when
I came home from work

she’d get
morning shade, better
guard us from strangers

the neighbors and
travelers could enjoy
her fine shrine

the dogs, who
frolic in the back, would not
dig her up.

-Ryn Gargulinski, Jan. 2008