Spring Squirrel

Good mornin' little guy

Streets are bustling

park is still quiet

yours to play in

run

flick your tail

wiggle your nose

up on haunches

looking

checking

just in case

but then

drop and sniff

run again

scamper part way up a tree

turn head down and

look

scurry down into the grass

stop go

run wait

dig for something planted

before winter

how can you remember where they are?

grasping with paw hands

transfer to mouth

teeth firmly gently hold a gem

once again you run

run

up the tree

far

to the branch

holding your nest

winter is gone

Unusual (PAD Prompt)

Walking in the park one afternoon

photographing the trees

with thick branches that

raise their curving arms

appearing to dance

twirling in the sun,

worshiping the creator.

I happened to glance down

and saw something

new

fascinating

old

roots long, thick, gnarled

snaking under, above, under

the ground.

These amazing roots, in places above ground

had giant knots

and hollows with rims

that held

soil

moss

water

fallen leaves.

I spend time capturing these

fabulous

bulbous

snaking

roots

with my camera

and wonder

which ones will I frame

to add to my collection of

how I see beauty.

Three Trees (PAD Prompt)

 I know of a quiet place,

a solitary place deep within the city.

Carpet of ivy

trimmed around with small wildflowers

where three trees stand

holding up the ceiling

with great branches

sheltering from sun and rain with leaves

layered one over another.

The three trees carry stories of lovers

initials carved,

some in hearts.

Full names by the bold ones

who took the time to use their knives

a little longer,

declaring eternal love

yet not getting caught.

Initials hearts names

yet now

the trees have healed from the wounds

and the scars tell stories.

They stand tall

proud of their message:

Love reigns.

The trees are a wonder to me, and I

ask them,

Did it hurt when they used their knives to scar you,

to draw sap as they announced and pledged?

But as I circle the trees,

touching the bark,

words, letters

I know I want to bring you here

and have you carve our names within a heart

for those who find this place to see

a memorial to our love

on one of these beautiful trees

holding up the ceiling

with great branches

sheltering from sun and rain with leaves

layered one over another.