squirrels & jumping

a pondering poem on squirrels and humans

have you ever watched squirrels?

they are nature’s giggling children, hanging on the monkey-bars at recess.
their bodies: jumping full-force. 
their tails: reluctant in following, a parachute trailing behind. 

their tails hang back, a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. and yet, simultaneously, the tails seem to enjoy the ride. 

with each jump, a swarm of emotion: at first doubt, fear, confusion -- and later, surrender.

and that? that feels familiar.

us humans 
as we
fall in love/ start a business/ write a book/ buy a house/ take a risk 

as we 
have the courage to      jump

a small part (perhaps, a fluffy part)
might be overcome with a paradox of emotion
still scared, still apprehensive, but
looking to enjoy the ride anyway.

a part of us remains a squirrel’s tail:
concerned that we might not make the landing.
but 
like giggling children at recess,
jumping from the platform to the monkey bars,
we jump anyways.

love you.

in pursuit,

T