My Neighbor the Squirrel

by Alaena Hope

My neighbor the squirrel is an apple thief.

He runs through my garden on swift little feet,

Carrying off my apples right there in broad daylight,

Unconcerned that he’s stealing right there in my sight.

I’ve tried hiding my apples to no avail.

My neighbor is always right there on the trail.

Neither paper wraps nor wire nets deter him for long.

Sooner or later, the apples are gone.

In truth, I wouldn’t begrudge him an apple or three,

If only he’d remember to leave some for me.

But until my dear neighbor learns how to share,

We must fight for each apple my apple tree bears.