The place where I work is by the side of a river (The Dart). There are many trees along the bank, so we have lots of wildlife, including a group of squirrels. They all have their own characters; that being said, I was trying to work on Friday morning when there was an awful racket coming from the trees outside.

There was a squirrel sat on a branch outside my window, shouting at me!

I’m guessing he was cross, but as I’m not fluent in squirrel, I’m going to say he was emotional and passionate about something. I threw some squirrel peanuts in shells down for him, and he gathered them up and scampered off. I scribbled some ideas down.

Squirrel – Part One

A squirrel outside my office window, a tiny dictator,  
Perched on the ledge, tail twitching with indignation,

Eyes locked on me, his tiny paws gesturing wildly,  
Like a furry Napoleon demanding a donation, nuts his only currency.  
“Hey, human!” his chittering seems to say,  
“Did you forget our contract? I provide the entertainment,  
You provide the peanuts. Now, look at this empty tray!  
Am I a joke to you? My acrobatics aren’t free, you know!”

Part Two

In the corner of the warehouse,  
A squirrel perches, unseen.
Tail flicking like a metronome,  
Watching the human tap away,  
Wondering if this is what freedom looks like?  
A desk, papers, and a coffee cup,
While he has acorns to bury,  
And dreams of having more than he can eat.

(C)BobChristian