Prompt: “I’d like to challenge you to write a poem that is based in the natural world: it could be about a particular plant, animal, or a particular landscape. But it should be about a slice of the natural world that you have personally experienced and optimally, one that you have experienced often. Try to incorporate specific details while also stating why you find the chosen place or plant/animal meaningful.”
The Squirrel
Today the little squirrel paused
paws united in prayer
For a bounty of black oil
sunflower seeds.
She didn’t scurry
as I neared
beholding the yellow scoop.
A red wound on her shoulder
informed a hard life.
We recalled the plunging hawk
the squirrel’s squeals
my hasty arrival.
She thinks me her champion.
I tell her gently
not to trust all people–
to some she is just a rat
with a fancy tail.
end 4/5/2017
S. Darlington
The River,
It has run by me my entire life.
The River flows by me
Giving me my strength
And flow
Love this poem. Reminds me of my squirrels (and chipmunks).