EASY PICKINGS

I watch a squirrel

build a nest

in the four-pronged oak

outside my window.

Last night’s storm

left branches and limbs

scattered everywhere—

easy pickings

for a squirrel

that rode out the storm

in an oaken crotch

and thought about baby

squirrels yet to come

knew to get busy

building a nest

before the next storm arrived.

I am sad for a moment

knowing how she enjoyed

simple things like that

a squirrel building a nest—

then the sadness is eased

as I reach for her hand

safe in our nest

we enjoy being here

watching a squirrel

prepare for the future.

John A. Bayerl, April 19, 2012

How could something as simple as a squirrel building a nest in a tree outside my window evoke such deep and gratifying memories of the one I loved so dearly?  The reminders will always be there; today it was discovering batteries for Gwen's insulin pump in a drawer in the freezer.  Like the squirrel's nest, they were a barrier against disaster in the future.  Now, what are they? A gentle reminder of a life that was lived fully and appreciatively.  A reminders too that, like the squirrel, I must continue to prepare for the future.  

This was another of those times, Dear, when it was good to feel your presence as I was reminded of the pleasure you took in the simplest things in nature--including me.