the contemplative squirrel

she was the picture of serenity

the first time i noticed her there

perched on the branch

of the crab apple tree

outside my kitchen window

her back was turned toward me, but

i could feel the intensity of her gaze

as she looked out across the open field

her bushy tail hung limp...relaxed

gently swaying with the breeze

i had never seen a squirrel

sit so still for so long

i sensed a kindred spirit

the tree dwellers

are the solitary ones, you know

eventually she noticed me, too,

and we studied each other for awhile

now we meet most mornings

like two cloistered contemplatives

acknowledging the other's presence,

but not intruding...

both of us content to simply hold

sacred space for one another

in the great round of life

-stacy wills (11/1/10)