Squirrel

Day 9: "Marianne Moore was a well-known modernist poet, with a curious taste in hats. Though she wrote on many themes, I’ve always had some affection for her many poems about – or in the voice of – animals, such as “The Fish,” “Dock Rats,” “The Pangolin,” and “No Swan so Fine.” Today, try writing your own poem in the voice of an animal or plant, or a poem that describes a specific animal or plant with references to historical events or scientific facts."

I've decided to write about the grey squirrel who visits our garden, tempted by the easy pickings available. Little does he know what strong emotions he arouses in us. 

Squirrel

The crafty beast, diminuitive, nervous,
That curls his tail round the pole as he grips

Upside down, with perfect, tiny paws, 

Does not know, or care, that he should not be here

But should be living out his life on another continent.

He does not know how the Victorian upper class

Carried his forebears across the ocean to adorn their gardens.

He does not know how I love his twitching, jerking watchfulness, 

The shine of his black glass-beaded eyes, soft russet cheeks fading into grey, 

The white halo of the tail he holds curved over his back like a flag.

All he knows is the sudden rush and noise of the man

Who blunders through the door shouting, arms thrown wide,

Frightening him away from the bountiful bird feeders, 

Across the grass, to the refuge of the woods,

Where he sits, and patiently plans his next incursion.

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