A Moment of Goodness

Poem 10 – 2/22/26

The squirrels come.

They must be watching from neighboring trees 
because the moment I toss out some almonds
or walnuts or craisins
our yard is suddenly filled with a dozen furry bodies.
Some bullies chase the others
so I toss an abundance of treats until
each stops 
contentedly nibbling their own treasure.

I watch for Little No Tail -
he’s smaller and has a bloodied stump instead of luscious fur. 
I’ll toss treats right to him but he’s nervous and often 
runs 
the wrong way. 
I urge him and keep tossing until 
he finally 
grabs 
one 
and I feel 
a small endorphin 
rush! 

His inborn innocence calls forth
my own animal longings. 
And I feel blessed to share 
a moment of joy with him 
and all the other creatures
who visit our tiny
backyard utopia. 

That’s my fantasy. 
To create a peaceable kingdom where each gets what they need. But
it’s impossible, even in a small backyard.
Still, there are moments 
of goodness 
to create
and to cherish.