the black squirrel hops across the path and onto the grass. i wonder if the dew chills its belly. i wonder how to tell if it is male or female.

from my left a grey squirrel crosses the path, following the black squirrel. a sense of panic embraces me as the grey squirrel begins chasing the black squirrel. this is not a game, and they are certainly not playmates.

there is fear. the black squirrel disappears into nearby bushes, the grey one in pursuit, their tails jogging up and down as they run to and from. soon they are out of sight, and all i can hear is the sound of scuffle and the thought that this is not a parable.

[10/20/03]