Johnny Darc was a rabbit,
darker even than the night,
frozen stiff by a train's bright light
striking him between the eyes,
causing temporary blindness
which is how dad caught him.
Peter brought it to his only son
and together had fun building a hutch
where he would reside forever, I thought.
We fed him carrots and greens,
slaked his thirst and preened
his luxurious and shiny fur.
He was the best pet I ever had;
being the first one. I was glad.
Then one day, he decided to skedaddle,
and off he ran down our street
beneath the gate at Roebling Steel
where the guard shot him dead.
I hoped that man would choke on his dinner
for I don't believe I would eat his friend;
and that's all I have to say on the matter.
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Author Notes
True story: Dad was a freight conductor on the Pennsylvania RR. I was eight years old
when told Johnny was no more.
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