Two Lifestyles

Take two lifestyles, my own and any squirrel's

and in a nutshell, state your preference.

Be as objective as you can: My quarrel's

not with you, if you, in deference

to nature and ecology prefer

the squirrel's stark simplicity. His tastes

are Spartan. Mine are more complex. I veer

well to the side of luxury and waste.

What, for example, does a squirrel need?

A tight-knit nest of leaves, a mate, a pelt

of glossy fur, an oak tree gone to seed,

wind, sun, and rain. His wants are quickly spelt.

My needs stretch on.... No list would be complete.

The squirrel wins hands down. I won't compete.