Squirrel

Flamboyant tree lures, sprinkling its reddish orange flowers.

Is it not shady enough for you?

Bunches of white blossoms on neem, a feast for eyes.

Are you not bored with it?

Scurry through punnai branches, scratched by a sharp coconut frond.

Sick of too many cashews?

Or, is it the pointy thorn on the orange?

If not, what’s troubling you, my squirrel?

Vibrant vaahai entices,

Waving bunches of feathery pink florets.

If you go sniffing around the rooftop tiles

Who will bring you those delicious nuts, O squirrel?

That crow nesting on vaahai – too daunting?

Pungai tree makes you a bed of leaves.

Also, the loving goldish poovarasu, with its shiny leaves.

Which bed would suit your sleep, little squirrel?

Shady tamarind fans with tiny leaves,

And tall palms with coconut bunches,

Beautiful mango tree with luscious, sweet fruits –  

Can you not enjoy it all? Is there not enough time?

Away from flowers, fruits and leaves

Back to sleep in your very own hole in the dead trunk.

Mango tree, flowering tree, fruit tree and little tree –

Couldn’t you settle for the love life on any of those?

You’ve learnt the truth: be content with what you have.

A lucid mind alone will bring lasting joy.

You chased after another, deserting your prime burrow.

Would the affairs that flit in and out, ever be permanent

My little Squirrel?