Science experiments at school
don’t work for me.
I can’t even hack into the head
of a dead yellow rat right.
And why is the head the only bit
we are ever encouraged to explore.
They have a distinct odd smell
like a real severe bleach.
I’m not allowed another
when I fuck the first one up.
Mrs Davies wears blue gloves,
holds them by the tail divvying them.
We grasp them bare-handed by the body,
slam them down and incise best we can.
Then go for lunch.
(David McLintock)