The Understanding

Such bold courage, that
they risk much in the hope
of gaining little. The trade
of a nut in hand at the
potential of a pounce
that might prove deadly. Yet
undeterred, they confront us,
those tiny furred creatures
with the intelligence to know 
our presence from long
familiarity heralds the
distribution of nuts in places
they expect within their
very own territory; we the
visitors, they the denizens,
our small dog disinclined
but for occasional runs to
threaten their safety. They
have no real practical need 
to face us at close range when
their caches are full, but yet
they do so, awaiting our
careful aim, their solicitation
appreciated and duly honoured.