I stand

Like a solider guarding the estate

The creature creeps in

Gentle footsteps, hardly breathing

I can smell him on the air

Three o’clock high – We dance again

He will have to pass me

To get where he wants to be

In the distance the trees dance

In the chilled Autumn air

I’m distracted – but only for a moment

The corner of my eye catches him

He makes his move – darting over the boundary

Now he’s mine!

I give chase

Crushing leaves under my feet

Away, away, he’s gone!

And my only thought

…darn Squirrel!!