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Newsflash: I’ve decided at last.
In the next life, I’m signing up
for the squirrel world. That’s it.
Plain grey will do. The kind
that flourish even in The Bronx. Sure,
I can think of more exotic options.
Birds were the frontrunners for a long time.
Those of startling plumage. Those
of thrilling song, and graceful flight.
Especially those that mate for life, as we
have done.
Squirrels have fun.
That’s what tipped the balance. Twosomes
fling themselves from branch to branch,
raiding the squirrel-proof bird-feeders
in a hold-it-open-swipe-it-out dance step,
just because they can. Swinging by their tails
collecting tinsel, string, old birthday ribbons,
found art for their nests. Burying
acorns they’ll probably forget about. Play-
fighting with their friends, whipping
’round the trees like kids at recess.
Notice how they run
up poles, leap onto wires, roofs and drainpipes,
dash across streets and highways, dare-
devils chpchpping raucously, brash and brazen.
All the world’s their playground. I remember
playgrounds. I remember hanging upside down
from the highest monkey bar,
unforgiving concrete just below.
That’s what I want. To be five. To be immortal.
Second choice: to play, laughing, right
in your backyard. To bask forever
in your sun.
Marian Kaplun Shapiro
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