The Squirrels of Maple Avenue
live high on the hog!
More like
ground hog, I’d say
There!
Laying in wait,
ready to launch in front of my car.
Fat enough to stop a truck!
Or at least a medium-sized SUV
slamming on the brakes
Are you
really going to stand there
and EAT?
sauntering sultry across
the street bursting at the seams
filled with an entire pumpkin each!
Bellies grinning
jack o’lantern jowls
my neighbors had three disappear
off their porch, pirate-style
eaten and seeded, acorns forgone
(that would be Oak)
in favor of the complex carbs
and antioxidant benefits afforded by
this seasonal regional treat
Turkeys inverse,
they sashay across the street in
stuffed fur ruffs, necks
rolling into thick haunches
chomping peanuts
like cigars
Hard to miss!
(except for with one’s car)
The Squirrels of Maple Avenue
are happy as clams
to port about
their own sleeping bags,
secure in the fact
that Home Sweet Home
is a tangible pad
toasty and warm enough
to stay up all winter
right where they are
camped out under parked cars
roasting marshmallows (excellent atop
pumpkin) and drinking
straight shots
… of syrup!
(that would be Maple)
