Home » Poems » L Milton Hankins » Red Squirrels

Red Squirrels

The red squirrels forage among the fallen leaves Searching for peanut hulls magically appearing, After an old man comes out in rolled-up sleeves Scattering special treats for the animals endearing, They think he is friendly, though never too close Keeping their distance they observe him carefully, Those humans always a threat to animals pose But they accept his nutritious offerings gleefully. Chattering to each other while stuffing their jaws The red squirrels are storing up food for the winter Ripping open the hulls with their razor-sharp claws They fill their bellies with these kernels for dinner. Afterward, they curl up in their nests for a snooze Content with their habitat, they do as they choose. Written October 30, 2022

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Linda Alice Fowler

Date: 11/1/2022 7:26:00 AM

You've captured the moment here. Love the squirrels. They'd come on the deck to eat out of our hands if we'd let them. LOL

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:53:00 AM

You do have to be a bit careful that they don't bite you. They can carry some nasty diseases!

Caren Krutsinger

Date: 10/31/2022 1:01:00 PM

Your imagery is profoundly wonderful. I see them now "Ripping open the hulls with their razor-sharp claws They fill their bellies with these kernels for dinner."

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:53:00 AM

Thanks, Caren. They are so much fun to watch.

Mike Gentile

Date: 10/31/2022 5:06:00 AM

Milt, I love watching squirrels and their antics! Your lovely Squirrel Sonnet is fun to read and brings a smile!! Happy Monday!!!

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:54:00 AM

Mike, thanks so much for the read and the comment. Have an awesome Tuesday!

Sara Kendrick

Date: 10/31/2022 4:24:00 AM

Ahhh!! I have seen some come and get close at a park where a person comes every day to sit and give them food. Thanks for sharing this neat one and for dropping by my page . Sara

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:54:00 AM

You are so welcome, Sara. Thanks for your read and comment.

Barry Stebbings

Date: 10/31/2022 3:49:00 AM

Well composed nature sonnet, Milton, enjoyed reading this. // Barry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:54:00 AM

Thank you so much, Barry. It is good to hear from you.

Beryl Edmonds

Date: 10/30/2022 7:21:00 PM

Squirrels are a delight to watch and so endearing with their lovely bushy tails. Only see grey squirrels here in the UK, though as Tom said red squirrels are to be seen up in Scotland. A splendid sonnet… Belle

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:55:00 AM

Thanks, Belle.

Judy Ball

Date: 10/30/2022 4:53:00 PM

I really like squirrels. I find them beautiful and fun to watch. The ones I grew up with were grey and the ones we have around here are black. Nice write Milton. God Bless, JB

L Milton Hankins
Date: 11/1/2022 8:56:00 AM

I will occasionally see a black one and, also, an albino, but we have mostly gray squirrels. Actually, I have all colors of them in my yard. Used to only see gray ones, but they've mutated, I suppose.

Terry Flood

Date: 10/30/2022 12:39:00 PM

Luckily, here on the Isle Of Wight, we still have red squirrels because the grays haven’t got here yet. Certainly are fun to watch but not quite so ‘in your face’ as those grays. Hmmm… I hope I’m not the old man you referred to. Nice write. Terry

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/30/2022 1:56:00 PM

Nope, Terry. I'm afraid the old man was me!

Tom Cunningham

Date: 10/30/2022 12:26:00 PM

They greys have become the dominant squirrel in the UK now, have only seen red ones in Scotland. While gardening I came across treasure, a squirrel had buried nuts for the winter.. Tom

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/30/2022 1:57:00 PM

How interesting is that! Normally they remember where they put them. Thanks for the info about their dominance in Scotland. I did not know that.

R J. Elless

Date: 10/30/2022 12:24:00 PM

Milton, You are Rolling and flowing. Fine poetry. Love the subject. H

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/30/2022 1:58:00 PM

Thanks so much, H.

Andrea Dietrich

Date: 10/30/2022 11:09:00 AM

i really enjoy squirrels and their antics. My sister in Arkansans lives where there are many black ones and her husband calls them black rats, which I find so cruel. This is lovely, Milt.

L Milton Hankins
Date: 10/30/2022 12:04:00 PM

Thanks, Andrea. The squirrels in my backyard bring me a lot of pleasure.