I found my rat lie still,
His eyes were shut tight closed.
From above his long tail,
Smelled nothing but sorrow.

I poked him at his nose.
He did not answer me.
Like he would always do
So lively every day.
I did not really smile,
His trick was not that fun.
He thought it was so wise
To keep his heart silent.

I asked Ma where he went.
She said, "Up to heaven."
That was how she explained
My old Grandpa's absence.
He had not come back since
My Dad buried his gun.

"It is temporary,"
Is what they all tell me.
"It is the way life is,
And it always will be."
I do not want to know
About the way of life
Why can't someone tell me
Why my rat had to die?