Dead Rat

I smell you as I walk past this spot

Everyday

I sweep out the back of the classroom

Upon examination day

To find you in the way

Disgusted I sweep you outside

There to leave you by the door

I wonder how long you lay there

Still and motionless

Beneath the students' feet

My sensibilities you put to the test

On final examination day

Defying

And denying

My sense of smell

My sense of touch

My sense of vision

My sense of hearing

To listen to your silence

My sense of empathy

As I sweep your dried and stiff body

Out into the dirty hallway