OUR BACK YARD MENAGERIE
Over the past few weeks our back yard quite small
Has been like a menagerie as many animals do call,
You have to be quick to see the chipmunks run around
As they look for scraps and sometimes bulbs are found,
But there they are to see, usually in pairs having fun,
To fathom which tree they live in I’ve not yet begun,
Next in size are the squirrels that visit many times a day,
Red, black and grey coloured ones always find there way
Into our little garden to dine and have a fun game or two,
Almost as fast as the chipmunks as they their antics do,
They even come to the patio door if no food is put out,
They seem to be impatient like having a spoilt child about.
These creatures are common in a Mississauga back yard
But skunks are a different matter to find them often hard,
Yet all of us at home have seen them skulking around,
One of them likes the taste of red tulip heads I’ve found.
Their speed is much slower they seem to lumber here and there,
We never open the door to scare them for we need some fresh air.
Then a couple of days ago in the yard another great sight seen
A very large yet cute racoon eyes were both bright and keen,
Eating all the scraps that were scattered to be shared around
But methodically he ate every bit of food that could be found,
Even rare and nearly extinct birds like to visit our little place,
Filling all our lives with much pleasure, joy and sweet grace.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 12 May 2005