Bystander by Zara J Day

This morning, I thought the squirrel carefree.

Legs spread, tail perked, not looking at me.

His friends were running, playing 'round the tree.

He seemed relaxed, so I left him be.

This afternoon, I took my dog to pee.

The squirrel was still alone by the tree.

When I tried to inspect, my dog tried to split.

The squirrel moved, but only a bit.

This evening, I thought he at last had left.

That tail which stuck out of the grass was gone.

But I walked up and found the squirrel.

Legs still, tail down, eyes closed, covered in flies.