Star of the Mirror Family

Rats

(1994)

My name is Star, spelled backwards it is Rats (they knew that when they named me) and I was born when a ritual using rats was done to the body — too horrible to explain — it might freak everybody out.

They live in gutters
in filth and slime
eat what others
throw out

Such ugly creatures
they frighten us
their red eyes
and skinny tails
they run and hide
when looked upon
they know their hideousness!

In a dark ally
each one on it’s own
we shoot them
and never cry

What would you do
if one you saw
hold it to your breast?
or scream in horror
because it came
a little close to you?

I am rats
and rats are me
and all I want
is to be set free

Around my legs
their tails they curl
their red eyes stare at me
I’m frightened of the rats
it’s true
but more frightened I am of me

And in this world of slimy filth
a person tried to Be
but then they let the rats out
and they devour me!

Into the caverns of my soul
they climb their way inside
the monsters of unholiness
pull them back and kiss their face

So turn your back
don’t look at me
I’ll poison you for sure
I’m turned around
and upside down
and backwards now I be