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Notes About The Poem

Humane trapping and relocating violates state law in NY. So, in order to avoid the scene depicted above, we use a high frequencey sound device to repel rodents. The expense to seal every opening also ends up more economical than dealing with chewed wiring, gnawed beams, and animal waste.

the charm of the unwelcome

The squirrels' desire emphatic
To airbnb in the attic
Means a landlord may leave
Hors d'ouevres in the eave
That make their guests aromatic

conflictdeathdesirepetslimerick

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Kim Rodrigues

March 19, 2024 at 3:38 PM

LOL! We us a strobe light! So there is a party in the attic. The disco goes ‘round and ‘round.

Silpika Kalita

March 19, 2024 at 12:33 AM

I never tried Limerick, difficult for me to pen in poetic form , yet have seen how to give twist through inner irony and light hearted sarcasm. Your poems have been soupmailed to me long back. Yet was not able to review as was away from the site from a long time. Have a blessed day ahead

Duke Beaufort

March 19, 2024 at 6:09 AM

Silpaka, I see you have been away for many months. I am very glad to meet you here! We have different styles of writing, but I believe we understand the same thing. The earth is a precious jewel we are spoiling. I like summarization...with irony and humor too as you note. You appear to have a huge following here and I am so glad that you believe in peace and justice. I hope we will have an ongoing conversation! Be well!

Christina Bowring

March 18, 2024 at 2:33 PM

Dear Duke, this is so cute and you have found a perfect picture to go with it. Another one of your great limericks to chuckle over and enjoy. I love squirrels but had them in the attic once which became quite stressful especially as I was selling the property at the time! Much prefer seeing them outside playing where they belong. I hope the sound device works well for you my friend :) Really enjoyed it.

Duke Beaufort

March 19, 2024 at 6:31 AM

Christina, selling a home with rodents in it does create stress. That must have been awful. As you say, if they would stay outside it would be perfect. I have a friend who lives in Florida who feeds them. They come to his windows for a peanut and he has names for all of them. At least there they stay outside since the climate is favorable for that. Here, they can do a lot of damage.

Andrea Dietrich

March 17, 2024 at 8:26 AM

Just adorable!

Duke Beaufort

March 19, 2024 at 6:37 AM

Andrea, So glad you liked this little anecdotal poem and intro. A lot of us in older homes have issues with critters since there are spots where they can try to enter. It requires constant vigilance.

David Fisher

March 13, 2024 at 4:44 PM

Yes, this is funny and well written...Airbnb line is great. I guess we all live in tree forts after all.

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:01 PM

David, you are so right! We can try to live in an ivory tower, but something or someone always invades our space!

Mrs. Yolanda Nicholsen

March 13, 2024 at 4:18 PM

Lovely write indeed .

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:10 PM

Glad you liked it Yolanda. I hope you never have to deal with this difficult invasion.

Sara Kendrick

March 13, 2024 at 12:21 PM

I could imagine that would be awful to have squirrels in the attic. Thanks for the humor of the day. Sara K

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:28 PM

Sara, it is awful. You can hear them getting up in the morning and returning in the evening. They do make a real mess and chew up a lot of material.

Ink Empress

March 13, 2024 at 10:49 AM

Ah iv had some crazy experiences with rodents in the past, so i find them freaky, hah. Sometimes tho when i look back now i laugh, i love the way youv written about squirrels here and how landlords lose over them, seems like they rule, sadly .” Hors d'ouevres in the eave And make their guests aromatic” i love the wordplay there so creative and well woven. Pleasure always reading various themes of poetry from your mind , that gets readers to talk about various subjects

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:36 PM

IE, your comment is very thoughtful and kind. I am so glad you can appreciate the connections I look for. I've spoken to many people who have had issues with rodents in their homes. It's not easy keeping them out. I'm just thinking of all the rats in NYC. We drove there a couple of months ago and saw a rat descend out of the tire well of a nearby car.

Sotto Poet

March 13, 2024 at 10:02 AM

Hi, Duke, this jocular limerick delves into the comical clash between squirrels and landlords as they try to fit into the attic. The poem skillfully uses wordplay and rhyme to convey the playful essence of the situation. You amusingly liken the squirrels' behavior to Airbnb, outlining their keen interest in turning the attic into a short-term abode. By using the word "aromatic," an ironic element is added, implying the possible scent of the guests the squirrels might draw in.

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:38 PM

SP, yes and glad you had a chance to read and think about this one. I was thinking the aroma might be the scent of death if the hors d'oeuvres were poisoned. However, I'm glad you were thinking in a more positive way....it shows that you are kind and not thinking about killing!!!! That speaks very positively for you!!

Hilda Greenhough

March 13, 2024 at 9:50 AM

A limerick in regimen with emphasis on the otherwise adorable squirrels. Seal that hole in the attic while they're out, and you'll both be happy. This was a great poem.

Duke Beaufort

March 15, 2024 at 2:32 PM

Yes Hilda, that will usually work. We've sealed some openings and had them gnaw their way back in. They can be persistent! Glad you liked this.

Lin Lane

March 13, 2024 at 9:04 AM

Squirrels, raccoons, whatever the breed, they create havoc in an attic. So, Duke, in New York residents have to put up with them? hmmm.... that's ridiculous.

Duke Beaufort

March 13, 2024 at 3:32 PM

I trapped one in a humane trap once on my own property, and a neighbor reported it to the police. The police came and told me I would get a visit from a state environmental officer. They officer cited me. I then had to appear in court and pay a fine. He told me it's illegal to relocate any animal. Anyway, NY life can be tough!

Vijay Pandit

March 13, 2024 at 8:05 AM

To airbnb in the attic--very cleverly said, Duke. They are indeed unwelcome, as you so well convey through your photo and your poem.

Duke Beaufort

March 13, 2024 at 3:22 PM

Vijay, they are little monsters in that they can do so much damage. They mean nothing bad and are only looking for a home to be comfortable in, but I would rather they build nests in the trees and sleep there!

the charm of the unwelcome

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