A Subtle Teacher

Chipmunk

Over there! What is that?

It looks like a small squirrel running about,

Tiny little chipmunk scurrying around,

Finding seeds and nuts all over the ground,

“Chip, chip” is the audible sound he makes,

Holding tightly onto the loot he takes,

Disappearing from sight as fast as he can,

The chipmunk does not commune with man,

He gets what he wants then quickens away,

Burrowing in the ground until another day,

Gathering food to last him the winter long,

He is small in stature, but his will is strong,

His back is adorned with beautiful stripes,

He is one of a species with 21 types,

I am glad we saw this wonderful creature,

He is a very stout, yet subtle teacher,

He teaches me to be resilient,

And have a work ethic that is brilliant.

Tammy Harvey

Written:  9/25/2016

Chipmunks scampering around our cabin during our recent trip to MN inspired the poem.