August 25, 2018
There’s a squirrel on my bird feeder
scarfing a batch of sunflower seeds
which I bought for a tufted titmouse
and a faithful pair of chickadees.
But hidden on the kitchen deck –
a fully loaded water cannon
dripping from the business end.
The boy inside me smiles.
I shoulder the Stream Machine
Hydrobolic Water Launcher™
and take my righteous aim –
justice shall be served wet.
The thief is hanging upside down,
hind feet clutching roof-top struts,
front paws clawing side-wire mesh.
I see she’s a mama, and freeze,
recalling one cold winter evening
in the old Oglethorpe farmhouse
where my wife caught the kitchen
mouse in a live trap. It was late,
so she placed the pest in a Mason jar.
Morning saw the slick rodent nursing
a litter of newborn pups. The fate
of generations hung in kindly hands.
Guess who fashioned a luxury nest
in a snug corner of an unused barn
stocked with water and nuts. Yes,
the bond between mamas is strong.
Love or scruples, I lower the soaker
and toss a handful of peanuts instead.
Mama scoots down the slippery pole,
greased last week (to no avail).
As she scampers away with a roasted prize,
my inner boy sighs and scans for snakes.
Two chickadees light on the repurposed feeder.
If ever the peaceable kingdom would come
it could start in a corner of creation where
songbirds and squirrels share in the bounty
next to a kitchen deck. Do you hear the call?
I’m off to Kroger for peanuts and seeds.
I’m off to Kroger for peanuts and seeds.
