I Watch Him

by: billie j daniel published: 01/25/2026

My pet rat Frankie will only sit in the palm of my hand 

if I have something for him to eat. 

Nibbling away at a mealworm, he forgets he’s there. 

I know when he’s done, he’ll look up at me all confused, 

as if he were questioning how he got to be in the palm of my hand. 

Rats see people as blurred shapes, 

so I make gentle, calming sounds to let him know 

I’m not a predator. 

For a moment, I watch him, watching me. 

Then I hold my breath, keep my hands still, 

maybe this time he’ll want to stay.