That red squirrel sure has smarts.
It’s been days since we last saw him,
but this morning, when we were discussing
branches hanging over the house,
he appeared and raised such a ruckus
even the arborist wondered
what was up.

Perhaps he heard the man’s truck arrive
towing a chipper,
noticed the yellow hard hat,
the strong ropes and climbing gear,
the sharp saw in his hand.

Whatever it was, he knew
we were thwarting access
to last winter’s lair.

Christel Maass enjoys spending time in nature, where special moments observing wildlife often inspire her writing. Her poetry has previously appeared in Bramble, among other publications. Christel lives in southeastern Wisconsin.