Little Gray Squirrel
by Helen George

From the fence, I hang food for the birds to eat,
And suet cakes have become a great treat,
Starlings are drawn to the peanut flavored one,
Peck away happily, fly off when they're done.

Lately, I've noticed a little gray squirrel, who
Has caught scent of this peanut suet cake, too,
He'll reach this treat, though the cage bars his way,
He won't give up trying if it takes him all day.

As he gallantly endeavors to reach his aim,
He favors his right hind foot 'cause he's lame,
But this doesn't impede him, he's found just the way,
And he hurries to try this without delay.

He hangs from the top of the fence by one foot,
On each side of the cage, his little hands he has put,
He gnaws 'tween the bars and eats with great zest,
Then lies atop the fence to take a short rest.

Tired from the effort of hanging upside down,
He scampers away, heads for the ground,
When he reaches the safety of the old oak tree,
He lies down again, exhausted, but pleased.