Sorry, Didn’t See You There
Two squirrels playing
tag atop a fence skitter
an inch from my face
as I round the blind corner.
We all reel back in surprise.
One panicked instant,
hearts hammering collective
fright, before we all
recover southern manners,
scoot politely to the side.
12 thoughts on "Sorry, Didn’t See You There"
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southern manners & politely
go together
even with squirrels
also love the sound and sense of “hearts hammering collective / fright”
You have such good manners! Great writing.
Love that word ‘skitter’ Movement and personality shown in that word.
Cinematic, Chelsie! ❤️
A simple encounter, made meaningful!
So vivid! I saw this and laughed at the final lines. (I’m at a retreat center right now and encountered a skunk family on my late-night walk–fortunately, not up close. But I imagined what would happen if I came upon them as I rounded every corner).
Oh my! I’m glad you didn’t startle them at close range!
I envisioned the manners of Chip and Dale (was it?) – “after you!” “no! after YOU” from the old cartoons. So visual and sonic, I see them freeze, reconsider, and give way to you.
wonderful poem captured from the tiniest moment.
Well done!
I also approve of skittering. And wish my local squirrels possessed anything akin to etiquette.