not today

tic

…toc

tic

….toc

TOC

pine cone

falls at feet

squirrel chatters

overhead

I kick it

Into

the street

think

maybe

the furry rodent

might get hit

by a passing car

smile

at the capricious

nature of life

step

into the street

kick

the pine cone

back into the yard

think

not on my watch

…not today

and

walk away

10-27-23