WHAT NEXT?

Mice and roaches have
gotten much older,
gotten much bolder
since I was a kid!
Used to be they would
only have nights out
with all the lights out,
and that’s when they did
their sneakin’ and
creepin’ and
their late-night peepin’
in search of white bread,
and jelly and fun.
It seems that lately
there’s nothin’ to stop them
from stalkin’ the kitchen
at dusk or at dawn.
Sprays have helped roaches
get a lot stronger
live a lot longer
in the roach motel.
Traps holding cheese got
dusty while waiting
for mice who want baiting
with D-Con. Please tell
me it’s not just that
I’ve gotten older,
they HAVE gotten bolder,
and picky, somehow.
What happens next?
Will vermin take over
While we run for cover
some years from now?

c IMA 1999