Despite the fact that my Summer Shorts project has come to an end, I’ve kept up with snapping a daily photo, and so far have managed to pair each photo with a bit of writing (“Fall Fragments”). No promises (to myself or anyone else) that this will continue so consistently. But somehow it’s a nice habit not to break.
“Turning” was the photo prompt for October 7th. Somehow all the squirrels dashing about in their hunt for winter stores caught my eye. And so a little tanka about the fall activity of these critters.
Path lined with chestnuts
prickly shells, shiny brown globes.
Squirrels everywhere.
They dash, climb, chase, leap, scurry.
Winter soon, better hurry!
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This post is linked to Poetry Friday, hosted today by 13 and the lovely and clever Irene Latham at Live Your Poem.
Violet Nesdoly 
Winter soon, better hurry indeed! “Turning” is a great (and kind of difficult) prompt… I may have to take it on. 🙂
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Thanks, Irene! As for the interpretation of “turning,” my first thought was trees turning colour. In fact I captured that in a photo early on that morning. But I’m trying to challenge myself to go beyond the obvious (as in not accepting the first word or metaphor that comes to mind in writing as it’s often the worn out or cliché). The agility of those squirrels was the connection with “turning” for me.
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Those squirrels are so busy busy busy. They’re running rampant around here too. 🙂
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Thanks, Jama! I think we get more squirrels every year. Does it have something to do with trees maturing and getting bigger, do you think?
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You might be right!
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Cheers for continuing creative customs! I can see why these adorable scamps would prompt a tanka.
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Thanks, Tabatha! I’m all for trying to build creativity into everyday… whatever works at least for now 😉
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I like the habit you have set, Violet… and your poem does urge me to try it. Fall felicitations!
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Fall felicitations back, Karen (love that word ‘felicitations’). You know, it takes the pressure off of your muse to just ask for something little… three lines or maybe five.
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Such busy squirrels! I’m impressed you could capture a picture in the midst of their hurry and scurry! I’m impressed with your habits.
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Thanks, Kay. There were a few blurry squirrels that got deleted in the process. They can be a challenge to capture when they’re in the throes of gathering.
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Nice photos and tanka, Violet! This post reminds me of all the fearless squirrels in Harvard Square and also the black squirrels I saw in Toronto. There are plenty of squirrels here in Florida, too, but they’re all pretty scrawny and skittish. No fear of winter either!
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Thanks so much, Michelle. Our squirrels are black and grey, not scrawny, but skittish for sure. (Someone should write a story about a northern, winter-accustomed squirrel visiting a Florida squirrel—in the spirit of the country and the city mouse.)
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Terrific tanka, Violet. Those spunky squirrels catch my eye all the time. I’ve always wanted to hold one. I love that you are keeping the habit…my hero! I’m trying. But, it’s a tough month until January. Then, I can slow a little til the spring run arounds begin. Great visiting with you today.
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Thanks so much, Linda! The part of squirrels that I’d love to hold is their tails…they remind me of dandelion fluff.
As for writing, I’d say go with whatever season you’re in. Life will get more writer-friendly in time, I’m sure, but in the meantime, soak up the experiences so you can write about them later (your aubade is beautiful, though, so you’re doing some excellent writing even though you’re busy.)
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I love seeing your black squirrels. Our squirrels are brown, and never seem to stop being busy. Someone has been cutting oranges for them, or they’re very good at stealing from a compost pile. These past days I’ve seen several running off with a rather large piece of orange! I love your turning, that final rhyme. I vaguely remember a childhood rhyme with “hurry, scurry” in it, but the whole text eludes me. I’m glad you’re continuing on with your pic/poetry.
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Thanks so much, Linda. Squirrels hanging out with oranges. I love it!
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I still remember the thrill of seeing squirrels. Such cuties! Good on you, for keeping up the creative discipline.
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Thanks so much, Kat! I always enjoy your posts about animals native to your part of the world. More please 🙂
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I love it that you are following these prompts. They take me so many different places. 🙂 Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
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Thanks, Ruth! Do you post your responses somewhere? I’d love to see how you interpret them.
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On Facebook. I sent you a friend request a little while ago.
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Squirrels seem the embodiment of anxiety, always in a hurry, always working. I like how you’ve cast them.
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I like that, Brenda, “the embodiment of anxiety…” In that way they’re a good anti-metaphor for us.
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Yes, if it’s squirrel-like, we should do the opposite. Except for climbing trees. That is such fun!
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“Winter soon, better hurry!” I think this line specifically describes squirrels and there antics of getting ready for winter. Fun tanka Violet; I like the black squirrel you shared also, we only have a few of the black ones around, thanks!
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