If I was to write a poem about a creature, it would be about a little lizard. I love the way when you spook one on the trail they run off into the rocks, but invariably they stop to look back at you, kind of like they’re curious. It makes me think they’re a little smarter than their reptilian brain might suggest.
Thank you for making me think of this after reading your poem about a chipmunk.
Hi Chris, I remember that about those little guys. I've watched them stalk a moth. In hot weather I've seen them do little push ups, don't know why. Thanks for reading
Great, smiley poem. It takes the mind of a poet to imagine that. I don’t have that kind of mind but I will try harder (actually I’m guessing that trying harder is not the way). We need to take joy in the little things when there is so much heartache in the bigger things. Thanks for making me smile today.
Thanks for the comment, Doug. I am more drawn to the silly things when “there is so much heartache” around us, as you said. It’s a kind of antidote to the toxicity.
The world is full of treasures if we open our eyes to them. And you always seem to focus your gaze on all the wondrous things, chipmunks included. Thank you.
Hi Jenna and thanks. As a boy who fished a great deal, I definitely developed the ability to sit still for long periods of time. With that sitting still came the observation of nature slowly returning to its normal activity level around me. Usually after 15 minutes of stillness things begin to happen and critters walk near me or birds land close by.
I, for one, do agree that an acorn cap would make a fine hat for a chipmunk. Carpenter, poet and, now we discover, sylvan fashion designer—is there nothing you can’t do?
Oh, isn’t that a perfect description, “sylvan fashion designer”. I would like to hang out a shingle with those words for the grand opening of this new business venture. I would need consultants Peter, people who are sartorial visionaries.
I’d also like to think the cosmos considers our next phase requests; no guarantees, of course. Knowing such a thing would likely ruin this life entirely. But… how could you not start planning for your one wild chipmunk life?? (Or perhaps you are)
Hehe, thanks for reading, Bree. I am planning, and designing but I can’t decide on three stripes or more. We should all have such important and best laid plans, don’t you think?
Three is forever a magic number, though more stripes, more speed??
And yes, I do think. In my third act here, better snap to it! Have always favored myself a winged creature (snow owl, Cooper’s hawk), but who wants so much seriousness? You’re on a good track here
Your choices are killers, by nature and diet. So, maybe a fox or a mink? They seem to have some playfulness, although nothing beats the otter for that. Have you read Coffee with Keats? Very enjoyable look at literature and poetry. The most recent post, "Is literature enough" is good. https://coffeewithkeats.substack.com/
I digressed, again… I love the dignity and the dressing of the little fellow in his soft patterns.. a beautiful piece I’ll think of again.. the image of his little hat above those bright eyes is magical..
Such a playful yet precious homage to a chipmunk - for whom I have not only great fondness but a history —
living in New Hampshire (whoever thought that was a good idea) in a haunted farmhouse shared with another couple .. my first argument with a cat named Roscoe was over a chipmunk he presented to the edge of my bare toes.. he won the grab and broke my heart..
He later left a half strangled one in the middle of a pile of cards on the bed when Tom and I were passing a freezing afternoon by the fireplace in the bedroom .. I grabbed the poor thing up before the little bastard (actually a great cat as I understood later) could change his mind again - - and ran into the kitchen to warm him up and hopefully resuscitate him..
They really are infinitely charming critters. In Colorado, when they went visiting another set of boulders, they would slowly wave their tail. It was the only time I saw them do a slow movement.
Great beauty indeed, on so many levels. I never thought about it, but after reading this poem I wonder whether there are chipmunk poets. Annd what stories they tell each other. Particularly the fashion-conscious ones...
I imagine I would be following after the chip monks, from within their robes a plentiful supply of chocolate chips. I would eat so many my tiny body would explode leaving chocolate smudges along the path to nerve vanna chocolate not vanna white.
The world needs more chipmunk poems. Thank you.
Who could disagree with that sentiment? I eagerly await your contribution.
If I was to write a poem about a creature, it would be about a little lizard. I love the way when you spook one on the trail they run off into the rocks, but invariably they stop to look back at you, kind of like they’re curious. It makes me think they’re a little smarter than their reptilian brain might suggest.
Thank you for making me think of this after reading your poem about a chipmunk.
Hi Chris, I remember that about those little guys. I've watched them stalk a moth. In hot weather I've seen them do little push ups, don't know why. Thanks for reading
When you talk to them, they listen. They're most certainly smart.
They really are and I love how quickly they move.
Great, smiley poem. It takes the mind of a poet to imagine that. I don’t have that kind of mind but I will try harder (actually I’m guessing that trying harder is not the way). We need to take joy in the little things when there is so much heartache in the bigger things. Thanks for making me smile today.
Thanks for the comment, Doug. I am more drawn to the silly things when “there is so much heartache” around us, as you said. It’s a kind of antidote to the toxicity.
Love the whimsy. I pictured him in tweed
Yes, or stripes…😉
hahaha. amazing . why not?
The world is full of treasures if we open our eyes to them. And you always seem to focus your gaze on all the wondrous things, chipmunks included. Thank you.
Hi Jenna and thanks. As a boy who fished a great deal, I definitely developed the ability to sit still for long periods of time. With that sitting still came the observation of nature slowly returning to its normal activity level around me. Usually after 15 minutes of stillness things begin to happen and critters walk near me or birds land close by.
I, for one, do agree that an acorn cap would make a fine hat for a chipmunk. Carpenter, poet and, now we discover, sylvan fashion designer—is there nothing you can’t do?
Oh, isn’t that a perfect description, “sylvan fashion designer”. I would like to hang out a shingle with those words for the grand opening of this new business venture. I would need consultants Peter, people who are sartorial visionaries.
You’ve done it. I couldn’t be more charmed.
I’d also like to think the cosmos considers our next phase requests; no guarantees, of course. Knowing such a thing would likely ruin this life entirely. But… how could you not start planning for your one wild chipmunk life?? (Or perhaps you are)
Hehe, thanks for reading, Bree. I am planning, and designing but I can’t decide on three stripes or more. We should all have such important and best laid plans, don’t you think?
Three is forever a magic number, though more stripes, more speed??
And yes, I do think. In my third act here, better snap to it! Have always favored myself a winged creature (snow owl, Cooper’s hawk), but who wants so much seriousness? You’re on a good track here
Your choices are killers, by nature and diet. So, maybe a fox or a mink? They seem to have some playfulness, although nothing beats the otter for that. Have you read Coffee with Keats? Very enjoyable look at literature and poetry. The most recent post, "Is literature enough" is good. https://coffeewithkeats.substack.com/
Now THAT'S a worthy goal--the life and times of an otter. Officially in pole position.
And hadn't seen/heard of Coffee with Keats; right up my alley! Many thanks to you, Weston. For this and all.
I digressed, again… I love the dignity and the dressing of the little fellow in his soft patterns.. a beautiful piece I’ll think of again.. the image of his little hat above those bright eyes is magical..
That is when I wish mom was here, she could have whipped up a pencil sketch of him and his new cap…
You could do that - annotated that notebook .. it’s better if not polished!
Such a playful yet precious homage to a chipmunk - for whom I have not only great fondness but a history —
living in New Hampshire (whoever thought that was a good idea) in a haunted farmhouse shared with another couple .. my first argument with a cat named Roscoe was over a chipmunk he presented to the edge of my bare toes.. he won the grab and broke my heart..
Haha. Cats and chipmunks, that's always trouble.
He later left a half strangled one in the middle of a pile of cards on the bed when Tom and I were passing a freezing afternoon by the fireplace in the bedroom .. I grabbed the poor thing up before the little bastard (actually a great cat as I understood later) could change his mind again - - and ran into the kitchen to warm him up and hopefully resuscitate him..
Will reminds me that cats are hyper carnivores.
They have no mercy whatsoever.. yet over the decades cohabitating with them I can tell you they love and guard those they love fiercely too.
They really are infinitely charming critters. In Colorado, when they went visiting another set of boulders, they would slowly wave their tail. It was the only time I saw them do a slow movement.
Great beauty indeed, on so many levels. I never thought about it, but after reading this poem I wonder whether there are chipmunk poets. Annd what stories they tell each other. Particularly the fashion-conscious ones...
I agree with MK. More chipmunk poems!
Ha! That’s how I feel about mousse au chocolates.
We definitely need more chocolate!
I imagine I would be following after the chip monks, from within their robes a plentiful supply of chocolate chips. I would eat so many my tiny body would explode leaving chocolate smudges along the path to nerve vanna chocolate not vanna white.
That's fun. What is "nerve vanna chocolate"?
Wait a minute, nirvana. What a rascal. This is what comes of so much chocolate.
Exactly!