Rat's Country: It's hard to come up with a poem

It's hard to come up with a poem. I wish I could come down with one, like the flu or a cold.

Rat's Country: After you let go of a rope...

After you let go of a rope you have held tightly, your fingers want to stay curled and it hurts to unbend them. This discomfort doesn’t last long. When you let go of an attachment or an attitude, expect your mind to stay curled in resentment. It won’t last long. That’s my goal: to let go of tightly held anger and resentment. I expect residual cramping, but I know it will go away.

Rat's Country: I would like to hear sirens singing...

I would like to hear sirens singing from the rocks, “Get a grip. You’re okay.” I know sirens don’t say “okay” or “get a grip.” Actually, sirens don’t talk to women; they only whisper to men. Who does sing to women? Their mothers. Often they hum, “You’re not as good as I am, so don’t even try." Sometimes their fathers hum, "I always wanted a boy."

Rat's Country: "I have no sympathy for you ...."

I have no sympathy for you today. You fuss like a child who frets about jumping off the low board.

Q: Who Were Your Heroes When You Were a Child?

Q: Who were your heroes when you were a child?

A: Dogs and horses. I wanted to be Lassie and always know my way home. I wanted to be loyal and smart--and classy--a collie or a palomino. I wanted to be a tough little terrier not afraid to bite the heels of ruffians. I wanted to be Black Beauty, rescued from hardship and maltreatment, turning out to be a real winner.

Film stars paled in comparison with the dogs and horses of my youth. Sure, I cut out photos of movie idols in Silver Screen. However, I was never certain whether I wanted to be Audie Murphy or to marry him. Although I had pictures of red-lipped women with perms and bosoms, it seemed more likely that I would turn into a dog than become Virginia Mayo or even Esther Williams.

Rat's Country: "The scent of sage ...."

The scent of sage fills me as thoroughly as sorrow.

Rat's Country: "You toss a coin ..."."

You toss a coin into a wishing well and then make a wish. You do not crawl down into a wishing well and live like a toad on the bottom.