Squirrels have Personalities

Posted on 2021-09-13 by Bartholomew Barker

Squirrels have Personalities

I’ve got no beef with the quiet ones
who go about their squirrely business,
turning over brittle brown leaves
in search of fatty seeds and nuts.

It’s the ruffians and scapegraces
in the yard, taunting my cat, Moriarty,
with their harsh chitters and chuffs,
flicking their bushy autumn tails.

“Winter is coming,” I comfort,
“You’ll be warm inside, feasting
on canned meat, watching snowflakes
cover their frozen nests.”

But Moriarty lives in the moment.
So I let him out to have his fun.

(Inspired by a news story, today’s Living Poetry Prompt and Sammi Cox’s Weekend Writing Prompt.)

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About Bartholomew Barker

Bartholomew Barker is an organizer of Living Poetry, a collection of poets in the Triangle region of North Carolina where he has hosted a monthly feedback workshop for more than decade. His first poetry collection, Wednesday Night Regular, written in and about strip clubs, was published in 2013. His second, Milkshakes and Chilidogs, a chapbook of food inspired poetry was served in 2017. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2021. Born and raised in Ohio, studied in Chicago, he worked in Connecticut for nearly twenty years before moving to Hillsborough where he lives and writes poetry.
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11 Responses to Squirrels have Personalities

  1. Cassa Bassa's avatar Cassa Bassa says:
    2021-09-13 at 22:14

    What a lively piece. Great work!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  2. JeanMarie's avatar JeanMarie says:
    2021-09-13 at 22:40

    Nice work. That Moriarty is a rapscallion indeed, as are most tom cats. You are well-matched.

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. anitashope's avatar anitashope says:
    2021-09-13 at 22:55

    Fun. They really do have their own personalities.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Bill's avatar Bill says:
    2021-09-15 at 12:18

    Ah yes, to live in Nature’s moment. Excellent. Enjoyed it.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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