His Second Home

In days of old, when temperaments were weak, And daily struggles drove sad souls to hell. There lived a child with spirit shy and meek. Who practiced smiles, her heart an empty shell. She learned to walk with grace; she was a belle. Withdrawn from life, inside herself she prayed. The other children's squealing laughter stayed. Each day for many days one dish of treats, With pecans so delicious, fresh…just right Was placed beneath a palm tree; squirrels feast. And quickly scamper home because of fright. The lonely child looked on with great delight. And that is where her love for him began. She tapped pecans; and named him, “Little Dan.” That city critter wore a furry coat. Watched hungrily from habitat unbound. He'd visit daily; but remained remote. Temptation tapped its firmly rapping sound. As steadily the girl enticed, dreams found. Love blossomed brightly there in nature's lair. Beneath a palm tree, tapping pecans there. Before too long he scampered to the dish. And quietly she prayed to be his friend. He quickly grabbed a nut, as was his wish! Ecstatically, her heart began to mend. This all because their trust let them befriend. For many years, those two basked in the sun. Her lap, his second home, made life great fun! © Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen Poetic form: Lay