My Little Neighbor

My little neighbor’s table ’s set,   And slyly he comes down the tree, His feet firm in each tiny fret   The bark has fashioned cunningly. He pauses on a favorite knot;   Beneath the oak his feast is spread; He asks no friend to share his lot,   Or dine with him on acorn bread. He keeps his whiskers trim and neat,   His tail with care he brushes through; He runs about on all four feet—   When dining he sits up on two. He has the latest stripe in furs,   And wears them all the year around; He does not mind the prick of burs   When there are chestnuts to be found. I watch his home and guard his store,   A cozy hollow in a tree; He often sits within his door   And chatters wondrous things to me.