Tags
compassion, empathy, fantasy, folk tales, homeless, kindness, love, nature, squirrels, unconditional love
.
Occasionally,
Antonio
joins me for coffee.
He tells me
the most wondrous stories.
Sometimes,
I think he makes them up
for my benefit.
In any case
I am honored.
.
.
Have you ever worried
about squirrels in winter?
I see them climb over snowdrifts
with their bare paws —
they have no winter boots.
I see them stop
to tuck their tiny front paws
into their armpits
for warmth —
they have no mitts.
When it rains
I see them huddle
under trees,
they still get soaked —
they have no raincoats.
They have no pants,
no dresses, no hats,
no warm winter coats,
no shelter or fires
to warm their bodies.
Even the homeless men
whose beds are the sidewalk
have sleeping bags
to keep them warm.
Squirrels have nothing.
Still they remain cheery,
hopping about
gathering nuts,
Who knew
it was such a hard life
for squirrels in winter?
.
Dennis Cardiff 
I do worry about squirrels! I have two I cared for since they were babies, they have been released now for their first winter…they still come back for visits (and walnuts:)
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I too love squirrels. My landlady had a feeding station in front of our kitchen window. The station had a nail where she would skewer a fresh apple every day. The squirrels would sit for hours nibbling and turning the apple. We also have squirrels and chipmunks at our cottage. We keep a bag of almonds at the ready for when they visit. ~ Dennis
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Nice parallel of nature and the homeless. I like it, Dennis.
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Antonio was truly a part of nature. It was a pleasure spending time with him. ~ Dennis
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Where have they buried the stash…
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Only the squirrels know and they’re not telling. ~ Dennis
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Reblogged this on Keptmeprisoner.
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Thanks, Chris, for reblogging this. It is much appreciated. ~ Dennis
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Ahhhh..!!!!
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That was my feeling when Antonio told me this story. He slept in the park throughout the coldest nights of winter. The squirrels would burrow into his sleeping bag. He would feed them bits of his hamburger. ~ Dennis
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Dennis luv, You make me think and you bring tears to my eyes. Thank you. Smooches, Miranda
Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 18:24:47 +0000 To: mirandarush@outlook.com
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Miranda, I’m so glad you enjoyed this. Thanks for your kind words. ~ Dennis
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