RAT TRAP

The cat nibbled at the rattrap

Not because the rat was inside
Nor breathing the rat smell.

The cat knew pretty well
That the rat was not home
Ever since the trap had been set.

What distressed the cat was
Not that he could not catch the rat,
But the presence of the trap at the attic.

The trap was teasing
His prowess, thought the cat,
And taunting his identity.

Shamed but furious
He began to scratch its plank
With his canine teeth and nails.

The rat forgot his archenemy
And feeling relaxed, fell asleep,
Gnawing a slice of coconut.