With
relief sadness Petit has passed on to the big walnut
tree in the sky. It wasn't the removal from my home I wanted or
wished for. His final meal of apples and walnuts were harvested from
my his garden. He perished from what I believe was
utter denial of my winning shock being caged in the
live trap.
Weeks
ago he skillfully removed the barricade a contractor had lazily
shoved
installed around the roof vent and proceeded to spend his
nights running around the attic and in the walls. On sunny days he
cavorted outside fighting chasing his cousins and
skipping through the trees in search of food.
I will
miss the rumble pitter patter of him running through
the eave trough, and across the rooftop at exactly 5:30 am; the
incessant nattering
quiet conversations when I was in the garden; and the game of
disturbingly stalking
peek-a-boo when I relaxed on the patio.
I shall
also miss pulling into my drive, seeing him on top of the neighbours
shed, waiting for me. He always gave me the finger
waved, flicked his tail, thumped his wee feet and shrieked
sang his song, “bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr”. He was more of a tenor
than a bass but it was a stressful pleasant welcome
home.
Sadly
Petit wouldn't listen and move on, nor would he enter the trap
outside so I could take him to the wildlife reserve and let him free.
I had purchased a bag of his favourite food to place with the cage
as I released him to become owl food
a free range squirrel. But being a male...
Left to
dance with reckless abandon mourn
his passing are his cousins: GreyTips, Earl Grey, Black Bart, Boof
and Ink Spot. They are celebrating wallowing in his
departure from the garden, with a feast wake being
held in the bird feeders.
Personally,
I kinda miss the wee guy outside, but not in my home. Sleep well
furry fecker, your memory shall live on. Whenever a walnut drops
onto my head I will look up and see your spirit teeheeing at me.
