The Squirrel

'Twas a late, late night on December 4 When I heard a knock on my front door. I finished the E-mail that I was sending, And wondered who it was at 2 in the morning! I decided to let it be, and went on "internet surfing" 'Twas then I heard the doorbell ring. I then rushed to answer, hoping my mom didn't hear, And I said to myself, I'll kill whoever's there! I opened the door, with a bat in my hands But stopped short, when I saw 'twas no man. Instead it was a squirrel, looking so cute But also so loving, and enchanting to boot. But the appearance soon changed, For through the open door it sprang. I chased it around being quiet as could be So as not to wake my sleeping mommy! But that plan proved to no avail, As my dog started barking from her "jail." I knew 'twas a matter of minutes until my mom would awake And then the privilege of the computer I could forsake. I tried to catch the squirrel so I'd have an excuse, And then, maybe then, she wouldn't "cook my goose." I didn't have the squirrel but in my hands When it started to speak - almost like a man. It startled me, at first, to hear the thing talk And it surprised me more when it said, "Let's go for a walk." Despite the cold air, and the time so late, I agreed in hopes that it would postpone my fate. We walked on in silence for what seemed like hours. Then the squirrel introduced himself as Jim Dowers. I noticed with panic, that there wasn't a car in sight On this usually busy road - not even a light! I started to ask him about this defect When he told me, "It's just an effect Of the squirrel's new invention That puts the world in suspended animation." "Why wasn't," I asked, "I affected by this device?" He responded by saying, "A wire was spliced Around the time control nail, And I was instructed to put you in jail." I started to panic, not wanting to be caught And I silently wondered, "Could these squirrels be fought?" I didn't know how, 'cause everyone was still, So I let him take me, though against my will. I then had an idea, and froze in my tracks Acting like a manican made of pure wax. Satisfied that I was frozen at last, The squirrel scampered away faster than fast. I waited until I was out of his sight, And I followed him as he walked in the night. Over the river and through the woods, Coming across many squirrels dressed in hoods. To me they looked enchanting, even so "life-like" But this wasn't the end of this long, long hike. I followed some more, until exhaustion took over, And, wouldn't you know it, I found a four-leaf clover! My strength renewed by this superstitious sign I said to myself, "Those squirrels are mine!" I quickly regretted making that remark, For the squirrels started looking for me in the dark. I started to run, but to no avail. They caught me and put me in their so-called jail. 'Twas flimsy and cheap, to break out would be a snap. All I need now, is to devise a trap. That will catch the squirrels and set the world free But first to get my camcorder, 'else no one will believe me! Making haste I escaped and ran quickly home, When I slipped on a rock which was covered with foam. While semi-conscious, I could hear sirens oscillating, But when I opened my eyes, I saw my computer screen. I realized then that this was all just a dream, But so real it would make anyone scream! I had fallen asleep when I couldn't connect To an FTP site I used that was called "Vortex" My computer continued to dial, while I fell fast asleep, And I was then awakened by the modem's connecting beep. My mind now alert, my curiosity provoked, I needed to do something with not a word spoke. I went to my camcorder, and popped the tape out. When I played it, however, I barely stifled a shout. What I saw was amazing - totally unreal. I watched it with wonderment and zeal. I saw what I dreamt, while I had slept tonight. I continuously rubbed my eyes. I couldn't believe my sight! This couldn't be happening. It's impossible! Suddenly, to me, an idea seemed plausible. I'd make copies of this tape, and sell it for millions, Not counting merchandise, which could be worth billions! I rewound my tape to watch it again, But, alas, it was just my imagination. I kept this memory to myself for many, many years 'Cause, "They'd lock me up" was my worst fears. Now I'm writing this poem, and sharing this with you Because I think it is time that I took my final cue. I'm old now, and on my death bed But I just had to get that out of my head! (c) 1996, Tim Danner1996, This was one of my first poems, written back when I was still in middle school. Written March 12th, 2002 © on Mar 12 2002 09:19 AM PST   0 • 14