Times Two

Little wonder we marvel at Nature's
fascinating quirks and mysteries
presented surely to confound those
among us smug in the certainty of
our observational prowess, our clever
interpretation of coincidental perks
that so reward our sense of rational
explanation. To wit: how it is that a
small, wild creature whom misfortune
has impacted has become bold and
trusting, where hale peers are not.

A woodland creature whose species
has great use and need of a long, furry
tail; for balance and winter warmth, is
vulnerable when a vestigial stump is all
that remains of the original design.
Yet, alone among a woodland's-worth
of foxy squirrels, large and small; grey,
red and black, only he, the black dwarf
with no tail fearlessly approaches,
cadging his share directly, of daily-doled
peanuts left in tree bark and clefts.

Stumpy, our fond acquaintance through
all the seasons of a woodland's year,
tracks us along our daily route on
forested trails to confidently confront
and await our careful selection of the
largest, three-chambered peanuts, for
him alone. He has become adept at
consuming the nuts, an greeting us
repeatedly along the network of trails,
to urge us to consider his continuing
due, and we so eager to oblige,
grateful for his availing recognition.

Now to discover yet another Stumpy,
surprise! For we had formerly taken the
look-alike for our familiar little follower,
only to discover this was yet another gifted
communicator, yet another undersized,
tail-deprived denizen, on our quotidian
woodland touring engagement. Stumpy
I distinguishable by white fluff under his
stump, absent his near-identical specimen.

How likely is that, one tiny animal sans
tail impersonating another? In appearance
perhaps, but mannerisms, behaviour as well?
Precisely mirroring Stumpy I's recognition
of our presence and purpose, asserting
expectation of receiving deferential
acknowledgement from us. The only two
in that wooded acreage to face us as
patrons? Has then, our original Stumpy
the talented entrepreneur, tutored an
apprentice? On this, Nature is mute.