Tag: parasites

The Chigger

Cherry-red and not much bigger
Than your patience is the chigger.
Though its pallette’s nice and brightful,
Palatably you’re delightful
To this tiny gastronome
Which burrows in and makes its home
Beneath the skin above the ankles
Of its hosts, which really rankles:
Dropping in to have a bite
Is one thing, but it’s impolite
To parlay that non-invitation
To a lower-leg vacation
With one minor pinch-point, which is
That its overnight site itches
More than you’d at first suspect
(And that’s before scratch wounds infect).
Measuring from one to ten
The formication in your shin
Where one’s a kiss and ten’s a horror,
It’s a ninety-four or morror
And keeps getting worse until
You’re questioning Thou Shalt Not Kill,
And that’s the point at which the varlet’s
Taught you why the Devil’s scarlet
And has subterranean digs:
His inspiration’s Mr. Chigs.

Purrasite

I don’t have a cat, but then
Who does? I mean, remember when
Your cat retrieved your missing shoe
Or frightened off that thief for you?
Of course you don’t. That wouldn’t happen.
You’re the one whose flat they crap in
And the sap who slops the trough.
When you’re no further use, they’re off.
Deny it all you like, it’s true:
It’s not your cat; the cat has you.
(Now feed ’em, then go sift their poo.)