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

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree with your version dear Chris. You and I know. The writers of these days. They wrote the stories of the time. The unknown killer killed without limits to rich or poor. Hello dear friend and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry and your thoughts.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for stopping by Coyote. Pleased you enjoyed this read. All the best.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[Sami Khalil]

This is an eye-opener and one that speaks volumes about how humans can blame, misjudge and accuse without true knowledge and facts. You summed it up marvelously in your worthy poetic way and voice. Fascinating how it reflects our modern times. The wheels keep turning.

[Chris Shaw]

So right Sami, the wheels keep turning. Thank you for stopping bu. All the best.

Chris

[Sami Khalil]

You are welcome Chris. My pleasure.

[.]

What a great write about two tragedy that evokes many emotions and unfortunately both of them riddled with poverty. The poor hygiene of the down trodden infected with plague and also the high population and thus shoddy buildings, pile up of timbers that were stored for business purpose, paved way for a great fire. The resultant destruction though faced by the poor mainly but it did affected a city as a whole. Now the situation is still the same, more or less, and marginals are affected mostly. ... But as a society or a habitant of this same earth can we escape any tragedy unscathed.... It's a very moving piece and I must say you wrote it with utmost emotion

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear Sima. It seems that not much changes over time. The poor suffer most. I appreciate you sarong your thoughts.

Chris

[John the Baptist]

I think the level of sanitation in the industrialized world of today has left us blind to the conditions in which our ancestors lived. Great cities like London were for many of the inhabitants dens of filth of every kind. Disease was rampant, including bubonic plague. It's true, though, that the rats were not to blame. It was the parasites that lived on them that spread the disease. I have read the plague of 1347 killed a third of mankind between India and Iceland.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you John for your interesting response. Yes, mind boggling when you look back to what sanitation would have been like during those times. All good wishes.

Chris

[KeithMansfield]

I always enjoy your writing. A very interesting piece. Makes me wonder what I inspired it. How your wheels turn.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Keith. I was reading an article in a newspaper. That's what got me started. I appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[mattavelli]

Hello, Christine! :)
This was an interesting read. I like how your metaphorical fire was stopped by a real one. Ive never learned about the plague to any depth, just that rats spread it, the poor critters.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks mattavelli. Not much has changed. It appears the poor akways suffer more. Appreciate you stopping by.

Chris

[Fran Marie]

The rats took the rap.for the
bubonic black plague..when it
was fleas on the rat that cause
that pandemic..escaping it goes
back to the have and the have not
the plight of poverty stricken people
had to suffer and death took its toll
and now we here in the present are
dealing with another plague
this is expressed so well
Chris ..a great write up about
London and that era ....

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Fran, pleased for your thoughts and to see you stopping by. Always good to have you visit.
read moreDear Fran, pleased for your thoughts and to see you stopping by. Always good to have you visit.

Chris

[Melinda McQueen]

A scene vivid, bringing to life another perspective. Speaking of poverty, I think there's so much that could be done. Take for instance, game shows give out money all the time... I just think that money could be used elsewhere. Just my opinion.
You wrote this elegantly, giving light in face of tragedy.
Nicely done.

[Chris Shaw]

There is always more that can be done where poverty is concerned Melinda. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and stopping by.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

When will we really do something about all of that...poverty is rampant everywhere while
the elite live in high rises that dump their garbage on the less fortunate.
that is definitely trickle down economy....
and those at the bottom get slapped in the face with the reminders of who they are not.
strong words in this moving write.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you J. Yes, the poor always suffer most. Not much has changed has it? I appreciate you.

Chris

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

Isn't it fascinating that old stories continue to echo across history never changing in their current evolution. That we relive our previous doom. Instead of wiser eyes it is through ignorant petulant cynicism we continue the cycle. We just don't learn to be better human beings. Indifference guides us to our end. That love could be the simplest of answers, yet the most difficult choice says a lot about human nature. Thank you, Chris, for this honest portrait of human failings.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Carlos, things don't change much do they? Really appreciate your review and your time. Thanks for stopping by.

Chris