The Eyes Have It

Some months ago we replaced the deteriorating fence  

between our house and a neighbor's. 

His side now has a board near the top

that runs the entire length. 

It has been turned 

into a squirrel highway 

and is run with 

great intention.

  

Yesterday, I looked out our south window 

that overlooks this highway 

and spotted a squirrel with a 

green walnut in its mouth. 

It paused and turned toward me.  

I stared; our beady eyes locked. 

Forgetting that a closed double paned window 

separated us, I said in my sternest voice, 

intent on showing that I was experienced in 

the wily way of squirrels,  

"Don't plant that in my yard."   

   

The squirrel continued to stare, 

walnut in mouth, 

I do not think  

my land claim was believed.    

I, too, continued to stare with my 

biggest squirrel sized eyes, 

and repeated myself, again forgetting 

I probably could not be heard. Then again 

I am not certain words really touch 

the minds of squirrels, but words were 

pretty much all that I had at the moment, 

(Well, pretty much in any given moment). 

I had already spent some time in the front yard 

and noticed there had been a fair amount of digging.

I stood resolute. 

With a flick of the tail, the highway squirrel turned 

and briskly continued on 

a journey that refused to be deterred.      

 

I thought nothing more about it 

until I went to the backyard 

sometime later.  

There, on the stairs, on the second step, 

a green walnut had been placed.  

Laughing, I brought the offering in.  

The biggest surprise? 

Its sweet scent, like flowers.  

This morning, the scent is gone. 

The smile remains, 

as does the highway, though 

the traffic has not started.

   

 A wily squirrel indeed.

Maybe it was my eyes.