Tea With Squirrel

Squirrel! Come share a cup of tea with me

On a sunny afternoon sitting in the vacant backyard

I watch you coming out of your burrow

Your furry body with beady eyes moving with quick alertness

Up and down the trees before I see you getting settled

On the velvety grass

The sunlight filtering through the dark green trees

In mild breeze makes the waves of sunshine

Dance around you.

Are you as alone as I am?

Do you long for a private evening with your loved one?

Like I do on a quiet afternoon like this.

Again, I see you running around

Are you busy arranging a party?

Like I do sometime to hide away from my boredom

Smiling and greeting the guest

Often as distant at the time of parting

As they were at the time of meeting

And when the last guest has departed

I am happy to slough off the snakeskin 

And settle in the quiet assurance of my back yard

Funny I should have a desire for an intimate smile

Or even a friendly gaze to be exchanged with you.

To converse further tell me

With little ones gone

Is your nest empty like mine?

Not too long ago

The beats of life were different   

I was busy like you running frantically 

Chauffeuring children from school to soccer

To birthday parties

Snatching sometime in between

To peek at the yearend clearance

The coupons for sale priced items

Still lying in the old purse pocket!

At times, I felt out of place for not being able to make it

When all the friends that I knew

Would gather at mall to exchange community news

And lessen the burden of their hearts

Their faces bright with laughter and excitement

Sharing the secret of wonderful life

At bargain prices

While I, possessed with some unknown urge

That brings about a sudden change of heart

Turn my car towards home

To get a moment of peace sitting in my backyard

Wishing for you to share a cup of tea with me.

Savita Tyagi

First written in April. 1998.  Revised a bit to put on blog today.