Elegy for a Squirrel

The squirrel’s erratic path while crossing a street is an attempt to confuse the oncoming vehicle… thereby causing it to change direction. This is obliviously the squirrels biggest, and often last mistake.

These are the times
when you get distracted
by finding food, fighting over mates
but what do I know about squirrel love?
Only the flick of a tail, no whiff of a gland or fluff
between ears. What forces the female to choose this year’s
mate: Pick anew every season, select for strength – make him
catch you, then drive to your drey, that cobbled stack of sticks high
but not too high in the pine tree, in the cross of a bough, a tumble of rubble
you’ll nurse your blind and naked kits and we’ll never see them until they are loose.
And tires squeal.

* * *

Today’s prompt is the elegy. And an animal poem prompt from Poetic Asides. I wasn’t ready for a serious prompt today. I don’t lament, praise and console like a elegy should.

* * *

Some folks are participating in a Couplets blog tour, coordinated by Joanne Merriam of Upper Rubber Boot Books. Angie Werren will be sharing her micro-poetry space at feathers with other poets. Sherry Chandler is also participating. Do give a read.