my new family

 

Late night whispers from the Pond,

soft and nonsensical, like munchkins

after lights out when everyone else

is in a deep slumber, floated to my window.

Two days past while painting with plants

my eyes were drawn to an old cedar,

something round and furry was sitting

on high, 6’ high, still as an oak.

It was a wee baby chipmunk,

hanging on, obviously new to this world

hoping I wouldn’t see in the garden,

while it focused on its new life.

Next day, it appeared alone and soon

after joined with its two siblings,

TRIPLETS! I have triplets!

O the joy I felt seeing this life.

While they discovered their new home

mum appeared, ravished for seed,

aha, that’s what she has been up to

having disappeared for weeks.

After four days the family has settled,

two young ones are close while the runt

chases after mum when her cheeks are full,

they are home and I am happy.

I have become their caretaker,

a role I take great pleasure in

and am enjoying this life renewal,

serendipity at its best.