Balada de las ratas

I am pleased to contemplate
how after the fire
they come out to show
the parlor rats
with a makeup of tough
squalid living.
I am pleased because I know
that all true love
also sees them.
I am pleased because they are spurs
to reason.

I am pleased to see
how their snouts swell
from screaming,
after the discrepancy, the controversy,
to opine.
I am very pleased to see
how much the little rat sinks
in its task,
in its own proclamation
that stinks
like betrayal.

It is not the first time it happens
when the fire has passed,
there is always someone who emerges from their hole
to swear they are awake.
And the goodness and trust
of those who are good, hopeful,
give them place and resemblance
while they discover the sides.
And, in the name of greater purity,
the disguised rats come out
who with patience and skill
want to turn water into slime.
Who doesn't know a good example?
Who hasn't been through their teeth?
Who hasn't dreamed of throwing out of the temple
the smiling greed?
I am pleased to contemplate
how once and again
the parlor rats come out
who in cleanliness designed
the soap.
I am pleased because I know
that this strengthens the muscle
of faith.
I am pleased because they are
spurs to reason.