
MY SQUIRREL
Bob visits my back porch at 7:30 sharp. Like the white rabbit in the story of Alice in Wonderland, he’s prompt. When I walked into the kitchen this morning at 7:32, he peered in at me through the sliding glass door with his paws curled against his snowy chest. Seeing me, he took a few steps back and waited for the one thing he has counted on morning after morning…
Breakfast.
The moment I slid open the glass door, he stepped back a few feet and calmly watched me sprinkle hazelnuts and pumpkin seeds into his blue, ceramic dish. Some mornings, I spoil him with small squares of bread spread with a thin layer of peanut butter…perfect to hold in his petite paws.
“Good morning, Bob,” I greeted him. “I trust you slept well?” He never answers.
The moment I closed the sliding glass door, Bob crept near and surveyed the morning’s offerings. With quick paws, he separated the crunchy almonds from the shelled seeds and settled inside the dish to nibble his breakfast. He seems to know I can’t disturb him through the glass and fills up his tummy with an occasional glance to me. I wonder if he knows how much happiness he brings.
My poem for today is a winter haiku inspired by Bob’s daily journey to my backporch.
Downy white blanket
Printed with tracks from small feet
Winter day pattern
by Leslie L Goodman
I’ll see you here next week for Perfect Picture Book Friday.
Leslie
Oh dear – please don’t tell my squirrel how well you treat yours.
The upgrade mine receives is raw almonds when I run out of peanuts!
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I’m sure your squirrel is enjoying its treats at your house quite a bunch. Raw almonds and peanuts are two of their favorite nuts to munch. 🙂
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What a lovely thing to do each morning. He looks so patient — and very much focused in the moment — breakfast! I think you enjoy feeding Bob just as much as he enjoys eating. Enjoyed your sweet poem.
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Bob amazes me with his patience. He steps back when I come outside and watches me, no doubt hoping I’ll spill the whole bag of seeds into his special bowl. Some days he brings a friend, and the two of them trade off picking out their desired treats. One day, I added a few of the tiny chocolate chips to the seeds and nuts, and Bob carefully picked them out, set them to the side, and ate them last for dessert. He makes me smile.
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Love this, Leslie!
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It’s those little things in life that become so meaningful to us and are, oftentimes, the most fun to share with others. I’m happy you enjoyed my post.
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I think there’s a picture book in Bob’s and your future! Lovely post!
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I think Bob would love the attention, and he’d be more than happy to pose for the illustrator, providing he can dip into his favorite bowl for snacks. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. 🙂
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That’s a cute squirrel, enjoyed the imagery in your haiku. Keep it up with the magic of your words ✌️❤️
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Awwww, thanks, Sid. I’m glad you enjoyed my winter haiku. I’m sure you guessed that those little feet which printed the snow were left by Bob the squirrel.
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