I have surrendered to the moles
in the garden, even as  
I sink into tunnel tops 

I have surrendered to the rabbits
eating their way through
the backyard buffet

I have surrendered to the groundhogs
ever the critics, taking only
one bite and moving on

I have surrendered to the garter snakes
who leave their skin
scattered amongst the bushes  

I have surrendered to the coyote
who runs along the fence line
scouting for breakfast  

I have surrendered to the deer
who grazes in the park
eating low hanging leaves  

I sit now and watch and listen
and give thanks for
being alive to see it all