Moral Values of a Rat

I may be considered vermin
Like roaches and wasps, a pest
My tail may be the source of phobias
A plague that I caused, I confess

But my heart is the heart of a person
I have a soul like any creature, great or small
I can have my feelings hurt
I can falter and I can fall

My little mind is full of questions
I have morals, sound judgement and skill
I don't try to frighten any human
I have my spirit and my will

My values are to my own family
My sisters and brothers I protect
I'll nibble firstly to test the food
Lest some poison I fail to detect

I did not consciously cause people to die
Neither did my forefathers before me
I do my own little ratty things
We just want to be let alone, let us be

We snuffle and we squeak, we are cuties
Our little bodies are fragile, need care
Please don't try and wack us with shoes or with hammers
We may even die of a scare

I look after my own yet I worry
That one day, one of my kith won't return
Till that day I will be wary and shy
I'll look and I'll listen. I will learn.