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.

Collection: 
English
Mary Augusta Mason

More from Poet

  • 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...

  • The Scarlet Tanager

    A flame went flitting through the wood; The neighboring birds all understood Here was a marvel of their kind; And silent was each feathered throat To catch the brilliant stranger’s note, And folded every songster’s wing To hide its sober coloring. Against the tender green outlined, He...