'Little Man' Poem by L MILTON HANKINS

My Uncle Cladie rescued endangered squirrels
Nurtured his pets with exceptional love
When we visited the "Little Man"
He was happy to play
Chase with us for peanut rewards and quick cuddles
And never bit like some squirrels will do.

"Little Man" often raced across our shoulders, too
He would crawl under an arm for nuzzles
Very agile keeping away
Playing catch-if-you-can
We were always cautious to wear a leather glove
For sometimes the tamest squirrel quarrels.

Unwisely, "Little Man" ate some poison florals
Squirrels cannot eat the deadly foxglove
Not even a tame squirrel can
"Little Man" died that day
We mourned his passing, even his little puddles
And for weeks afterward we all felt blue.