The Maligning of the Rat

(The plague and fire of London 1651c an alternative viewpoint)

mistaken you might be for

believing that black death resulted

from infestations of rampant rats

filthy creatures who spread fear

as well as contagion, yet recent

research has provided more facts

as professionals left St Giles in the Fields

and other parts of London in droves

the poor were left to cope on their own

living in slum conditions they became

the first to succumb at speed

to terrors of uncontrolled disease

human fleas and body lice found

on dirty garments, feeding on flesh

it seems were the culprits

hidden from the eye, the reason

so many died, poverty, lack of

clean clothing,hapless hygiene

spreading like wildfire, only to be

finally burned out when the

capital's skyline bled rip roaring red

when huge flames blazed for days

to consume and gut the medieval

city paving way for change

Reviews

[Patricia]

We knew so little then and medical practices were belief driven not so much knowledge driven. We have come so far in the medical field and some may say it has become a religion itself, I wouldn’t but some may. I am so glad I got to be a part of it as a nurse, I saw how faith was still part of the process and how science gave them that. Still so much to learn. Dirty practices back then were to blame and with Covid I see we still haven’t learned our lessons, sad. Great write Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Loved to read your thoughts here. Thanks so much for the read and your lovely review. You are truly appreciated.

Chris

[Seth Cason]

How could I possibly not review a poem whose title makes me jealous that I didn't think of it myself? This is a strong piece, a bleak reminder and a horrifying portent that parallels humankind's current condition in that sometimes, wading into the worst-case scenario or splattering at the rock bottom is the only way positive change can happen. I hope to God that it won't take another medieval incineration to wake up the world before we arrive at that point.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Seth. Yes, I hope it doesn't take another great fire to extinguish a plague. Hopefully the vaccine will work. Appreciate you checking in. Such an interesting programme to watch which uncannily resembled the start of corona virus and its terrifying rapid spread.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Of course humans have to blame critters, rather than face up to the fact that we're not the shining pinnacles of the planet! *wink! wink!* I love how your factual style feels totally authentic & believable, you have built up years of trust in your readers, like a reporter we know who will give it to us straight (((HUGS)))

[Chris Shaw]

A TV programme on the plague fascinated me. I just had to write a poem about the maligned rat. Thanks Margie for stopping by.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Chris, you have with this rhythmic chat,
restored my faith in the much maligned rat.
Your choice of subject and use of phrase,
Never ceases in skill'n scope to me amaze!
Dylan :)

[Chris Shaw]

I wrote this one six months before I posted it, unsure whether rats would appeal in poetry. Seems, they have their place too. Thank you for your nice comments.

Chris

[Dylan Macadham]

Was happy to send my mice comments :) haha

[Zoe Richardson]

The plague that preceded the Great London Fire in the 1600s? This is such an interesting topic for a poem, and an interesting time period. I love what you did, explaining facts as poetry. It's so unique and fresh. Btw, did you know that part of the reason the rats were able to spread the disease at all is because people killed off the cats? The witch hunting during this period had people believing cats were familiars, minions of Satan that did the bidding of witches. So they killed them. With nothing to prey on the rats, they flourished and helped spread the plague.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Zoe and for your interesting explanation about the lack of cats. Saw a TV programme and my muse became activated :)

Chris

[Zoe Richardson]

I believe I learned this on one of The Great Courses series on The Black Death. But I've watched several, so I could be confusing that with something else.

[Ruth]

I love this - something different to read this morning :) History is never as it seems I always say, so many layers that blur the lines and provide only opinions...I was transported back to such a time, so awful it must have been, made me think Chris, be well :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ruth. Yes, sometimes a TV programme can be quite inspiring. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I take advantage of it. Or rather the muse does.

Chris

[andrew mitchell]

We have come a long way in combating disease and our knowledge and skills will be tested on whether we can combat and win against the variants of Covid in the modern world. Always written with true poetic flair. Nice one Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Andrew for your lovely review. Your encouragement is appreciated.

Chris

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Chris... it is a normal reaction to recognize that
"Cleaning is next to Godliness. As the Pandemic lingers and escalates...
we see people in denial and others are more Sanitary. Our Leaders
who are chosen and Paid Salaries to keep us Safe.... are in Total
denial that permitting Immigrants to settle into our Country (without
proper vaccines) and in a lot of cases... some need treatment immediately.
We are forced into having no "Control" for the most part. It is difficult to
repair all the "Damage" done for months on End. It seems complete "Power"
is their Position. The so-called "Power" will result in many deaths of our Citizens who have
followed The Constitution and Citizenship Laws for becoming a Citizen. There is no
"sugar-coating" this out-of-control Situation. God help us all. Amen... Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat we are being let down by our leaders on both sides of the pond. Our safety is not being given enough consideration that's for sure. Your thoughts are always treasured dear Pat and your new avatar has lifted my spirits. So healing is green. Love across the waves.

Chris

[Fabian G. Franklin]

Between 1348 and 1349 thousands of Jews were murdered thinking to cleanse society of God's punishment on the people. It was the plague. Bubonic plague, the black plague or black death is spread through the air as well as through fleas. There are still about 1500 cases of the plague worldwide every year, mostly in remote and poverty stricken areas of the globe. Modern medicine has reduced the global impact of the disease but it still exists. An interesting read, your poem refers to a later resurfacing of the original global pandemic. We hear about Ebola and other contagious and devastating diseases but the plague is seldom even mentioned anymore, even though it's still here. How interesting is that? Good write. F.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Fabian for stopping by and sharing. Interesting what you have to say. I appreciate your thoughts.

Chris

[light and ashes]

Society often forgets to have a heart when it comes to change, great piece.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you light and ashes for stopping by. Much appreciated.

Chris

[light and ashes]

You are welcome.

[Marina]

This is a timely write, Chris. History repeating itself only just with a different disease and without the devastation of fire to eradicate it. Brings to mind that old idiom..."The more things change, the more they stay the same". After 18 months of this pandemic I have lost sight of the finish line and have lost faith in our ability to overcome this without more drawn out struggle. It's a well written light shown on a relevant part of history. An enjoyable read. 💛

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Marina. So true what you say. Little has changed. A sure case of history repeating itself. Appreciate you stopping by. Many thanks.

Chris