Sunday, July 11, 2010

Squirrel in repose

It was one of the mild April days when I looked out my bedroom window to see how many daffodils had come out.

There in a holly tree was a squirrel, straddled over a long vee shaped branch, all four paws holding on, head stretched out along the branch.

I have always viewed squirrels as the epitome of nervous animation, flitting about in constant movement … until today.
It was so still, that I thought it was dead. Nothing moved on it except the fine hairs on its tail disturbed by the gentle breeze.
I stood there every bit of 5 minutes and it did not move. I was fascinated.

I decided to write about this experience so I went for a tablet and pencil and returned to the window.
It was alive… it had changed position and settled down again to its totally relaxed state.

I swear I saw its eyes droop like a baby fighting sleep as its head started to slide down the branch.
It readjusted its paws and head then laid there … motionless again.

I watched for about 15 minutes peering through lace curtains so as not to make any sudden movements.
I would have to say that squirrel was in total comfort, felt absolutely no threat, relaxed in the cool shade and gentle breeze and gave me the treat of seeing such a busier than busy little animal relaxed, still and perfectly alive.

 I actually felt a bit of serenity … witnessing this scene .. rarely seen..

©2007 Joyce E Coley



Another one of my doodles...
                                                What do you see?

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