Peanut Panjandrums

They are ever more gradually
identifying themselves as individuals,
the exuberant crowds of squirrels
that laud our exemplary behaviour
traipsing daily within their forest enclaves,
where we daily, guiltlessly, trespass.
Not the beavers, the muskrats, the
hawks and woodpeckers, but others.

We have yet to distinguish the black
mobster-crows who also recognize our
presence, fully cognizant and aware of
all the tempting caches deposited for the
pleasure of chickadees, squirrels,
chipmunks. And, evidently, advantage
seeking and possessive crows.

We witness the confidence of the
chipmunks and their clever habits,
their lightning raids and furtively
hidden treasures. The impudent
scolding of red squirrels and their
transgressive jealousies. The timid and
the courageous; their competitive mettle.

Two black tailless squirrels bravely
accustomed to confronting us directly
for their awards; Stumpy and Stumpette.
Two glossy, brush-tailed blacks, present
as Tweedledee and Tweedledum on the hunt
as a brace. The greys, supremely coiffed;
madame et monsieur. We imagine, and why
not, we are to them peanut panjandrums.