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Pets
by Chris Sorrenti
Some of them live on the surface of my skin.
Others inhabit my lungs and intestinal tract,
playing nasty games with me.
And though I can't see them,
I know for sure they're there,
never to fetch a stick,
or allow an affectionate fondle,
though I often take them for walks.
Certain kinds can be found
on the walls of my living room,
or between the fibres of a pillow-case.
More rushing in through an open door or window,
unappreciative of how much rent I pay
to give them a good home.
It would be impossible to name each one.
Even if I could, Trigger or Beethoven
doesn't sound right; maybe Spot.
And when I die,
there'll be no grieving on their part.
Quite the contrary.
They'll hold a celebration rivaling anything human,
eating both host and banquet hall.
Though I suppose in some ways I'm quite similar.
In fact so big is my master,
I can never see her entirety all at once,
except through the window of a rocketship.
Occasionally she reminds me who's boss
with a violent shaking beneath my feet…
thankful this time, my house is still standing.
© 1993
1,720 hits as of November 2024
06/28/2009 Posted on 06/28/2009
Copyright © 2025 Chris Sorrenti
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Alison McKenzie on 06/28/09 at 05:00 PM I have to admit, I was thinking "ewwwwww" all the way until the last stanza. Then, I got it. Unique perspective you've presented here! |
| Posted by Glenn Currier on 06/28/09 at 06:07 PM Really lol. How clever a host you are and with such an appreciation for those hungry little critters. And, in true Sorrenti form, you lambast us with a broader prescient perspective in that last stanza. I'm STILL smiling. :-) |
| Posted by Clara Mae Gregory on 06/28/09 at 08:15 PM Chris, I appreciate you bringing this one back out. I just love it and it is going into my favs collection. Please bring more of these treasures back out for those of us that missed out the first time. :) |
| Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 06/29/09 at 12:34 AM I wonder if laughter helps keep them at bay? Quite a humorous take on the human condition. Mother Earth herself afflicted! |
| Posted by Olivia Martin on 06/29/09 at 01:11 AM This was captivating to say the least; you had my attention from the first line to the last. Although I will admit to the "shivers," at first, your piece definitely put things into perspective, and the last line drove the entire poem all the way home. Wonderful job! |
| Posted by Wendy Sparling on 06/29/09 at 02:38 AM You cease to amaze me with your brilliant imagination. Love it. Kudos back at you. |
| Posted by Christel Crews on 06/29/09 at 02:39 AM what intrigue! i reread the first few stanzas once getting to the last, to make sure i understood it. you are truly gifted! your spin with words makes me shiver and laugh in one breath. |
| Posted by Philip F De Pinto on 06/29/09 at 12:22 PM another wonder filled Chris Sorrenti tale, always good to go and always good to the last drop. |
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