The Shine Journal

The Winter Squirrel

by

Stephen D. Nadaud II

I watch the squirrel build its nest,
a refuge from the cold.
Crystal flakes float on the air,
and blizzards are foretold.

It gathers nuts and twigs and things,
whatever it can find.
The powder snow hides treasures,
and winter has arrived.

A hard life lived by both of us,
the squirrel is my kin.
I\'ve lost loves to tragedies,
but it looks sickly thin.

I take a peanut in my hand,
and offer up the treat.
Surely such an act of grace,
is rare and fondly sweet.

I watch the squirrel study me,
and hear a screaming cry.
Birds of preys fly ever close;
the squirrel runs and hides.

BIO: Stephen D. Nadaud II was born on August 28, 1981, and currently resides in South Dakota. He started writing at the age of seventeen, and has recently been published at Horrorbound Online Magazine. His first poem to go into print publication will be available in the Fall/Winter 2010 issue of The Stray Branch.

MOTIVATION: "a desire to continue my career as a published author. As for the subject matter of the poem, it is based on an earlier work I was inspired to do because I live in an apartment building where there are many squirrels running around outside. Also, I love the winter season."

Image by: Constantin Jurcut