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Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan

0 posted 2002-05-06 10:49 PM


Madame Chipmunk Emerges


    

Its time to emerge from hibernation
her little subterranean condo
has made her feel claustrophobic of late

outside her door
she can hear the symphony of springtime
the Crickets and Katydids chirping in harmony
with the Frogs in the pond
the serenade of the Early Peepers
wooing their mates
and the pretty song of the Robin

as new buds unfurl on trees and bushes,
its time to awaken
to venture out once again
into the familiar wild underbrush
last winter's frost is wet with melt
and last fall's cache of acorns
carried home so deftly in her cheeks
is now nearly gone
their nourishment, visible in her soft thick fur
and bright slanted eyes
so artfully made up, with nature's black and white pen

its time for the greening to begin
time to scurry through the brambles and the briars
acorns are sparse at this time of year
but there are other forms of nourishment to be had
the bulbs of the crocuses growing on the hillside
and those of the daffodils in the nearby garden
provide nutriment aplenty
as will the seed spilling over from bird feeders
set out by those large, harmless animals called Humans

spring is finally here
and Madame Chipmunk is in her glory
as she scampers playfully through the thicket,
tail pointing skyward
greeting her friends, Ms. Robin and Mr.Squirrel

but in her euphoria, she still must remember
she must be ever cautious of the Red Tailed Hawk
Chipmunks are his favorite dish
and if she is not careful, she will be his

and so...carefree as she is on this beautiful early spring day
she must be on guard
for the eyes of the Hawk see everything

Ah...but she is deft and smart and fleet of foot
Madame Chipmunk will survive




Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks


[This message has been edited by Madame Chipmunk (05-06-2002 10:58 PM).]

© Copyright 2002 Lyra Nesius - All Rights Reserved
Mistletoe Angel
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1 posted 2002-05-06 11:02 PM




YAY!!! Oh Lyra, those red-tailed hawks better not mess with you, or...ooohhhhhhhh, they're going to be chased away by this little Singing Sparrow! (giggles in delight) YAY!!! HIP-HIP HOORAY!!! Oh Lyra, we've all mjissed you so so much, now I am so happy to see you writing of daffodils and crocuses and laughter again, this is wonderful! (kiss on cheek) You are a true angel, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Lyra, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

Midnitesun
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Gaia
2 posted 2002-05-06 11:10 PM


Another one going straight into my favorites file. What a great nature write, with many layers above and beyond each line. It's so good to see your name on these blue pages today! Happy Spring, dear Chipmunk.
Martie
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since 1999-09-21
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California
3 posted 2002-05-06 11:15 PM


Lyra

Yes, she will survive!  This sweet nature story can be taken to such a different level.  Love it's possitive and life affirming spring time flow, and you!

Balladeer
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Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
4 posted 2002-05-06 11:16 PM


Beautiful writing, Madame C. Spring is her and so are you....and survive you will
Duncan
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since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455

5 posted 2002-05-06 11:16 PM


Damn hawk, tell him to eat a bug or something.  Good to see you scampering this spring!  Almost made me cheery...lol.
Enchantress
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since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
6 posted 2002-05-06 11:23 PM


Ah...but she is deft and smart and fleet of foot
Madame Chipmunk will survive
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
YES she will!!  Lyra it is SO good to see you here!
You sound good and full of the hope of spring.
I do hope you are doing well sweet poetess.
~Big Hugs~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

Victoria
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7 posted 2002-05-06 11:28 PM


So thats what a chipmunk looks like haa...i thought it looked more like a monkey..a chipmonkey haa..this was lovely..and so wonderful to read your words dear one hugsss


                       ~Victoria

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
8 posted 2002-05-07 12:36 PM


Noah...thank you, you lovely singing sparrow.
Do you really think you could tangle with that big hawk?
I guess it would be a nice try, but he might end up having sparrow and chipmunk for dinner.
~many singing sparrow hugs~

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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9 posted 2002-05-07 12:39 PM


Thanks so much Kacy, and you are right about the layers...
The Hawk represents my cancer and I will not let him get me...I will survive!
~lots of layered hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
10 posted 2002-05-07 12:46 PM


Thanks Martie...as I told Kacy, there are many layers to this poem.
I just finished my radiation treatments.  They were absolutely horrible. I was terribly exhausted and sick the whole time, I didn't think I would make it to the end, but I did and and I have spent the past 4 days recovering.
David brought my computer into the bedroom for me and set it up so I could use it in here because I was getting so bored and he wanted me to stay in bed for a few days, but tomorrow, I think I'll scamper outside for a bit.
~scampery hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
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Michigan
11 posted 2002-05-07 12:50 PM


Thanks Michael...This poem is a metaphor for my life right now.
I just finished 33 radiation treatments which were extremely difficult.  I've been exhausted and sick for the past couple of weeks, and now I am finally recovering.
I think I will scamper over to the mall tomorrow and see if they have any chipmunk clothes on sale.
~many chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
12 posted 2002-05-07 12:52 PM


Thanks Duncan...Don't worry, that hawk won't dare come near me because I have just had radiation....what a thought...imagine a chipmunk having radiation LOL!
~irradiated hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
13 posted 2002-05-07 12:55 PM


Thanks so much Nancy...I am full of hope right now.  I could be wrong, but my intuition tells me that my tumor is gone or at least mostly gone.
Radiation was horrible, but I think it probably did the job...now, all I have to do is find a way to make the cancer stay gone.
~hopeful hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
14 posted 2002-05-07 12:58 PM


Thanks Victoria...You must be kidding me...
Have you NEVER really seen a chipmunk?
Oh well...now you have! and we don't look anything like monkeys or monks, but we do make a chipping sound, almost like a bird but less melodic...I suppose thats where the name chipmunk must come from.
~furry chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Larry C
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United States
15 posted 2002-05-07 01:01 AM


Lyra,
I'm counting on it!

It's never too late to have a good childhood! Woohoo!

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
16 posted 2002-05-07 01:05 AM


Thanks Larry...me too!
How have you been feeling?
~lots of hopeful hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

BluesSerenade
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since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549
By the Seaside
17 posted 2002-05-07 01:21 AM


Oh this makes me so happy!  
I love your spirit Lyra Girl!!!
I'm out of seat applauding you
and that little chipmunk who
inspires this brand new spring.
I love it I love it!!!

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
18 posted 2002-05-07 01:43 AM


Thanks so much, Lori...but during radiation, I really did feel like your screen door...in your poem "Curb Appeal"
I'm starting to feel better now, but I've been resting in bed for the past 4 days since radiation has been finished.
David even brought my computer in here, but I think I may be ready to scamper about outside tomorrow...at least I'll give it a try.
~furry chipmunk hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Nightshade
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just out of reach
19 posted 2002-05-07 09:41 AM


Bravo brave little Chipmunk! Come out and warm your sweet face in the sun. We will form a circle around you and keep all negativity away. hugs, Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

Sunshine
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Listening to every heart
20 posted 2002-05-07 10:04 AM



You have a lot of attitude, girl, and it is ALL in the right spot!  Right There!

Marsha
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Maidstone Kent England
21 posted 2002-05-07 10:23 AM


Lyra my sweet and adorable friend, OH wow welcome home to the world darling so utterly wonderful to see you. Mmwwwwaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh this is utterly perfect you’ve explained and shown the spirit that is you, and a wonderful and beautiful spirit it is too. Wonderful writing on a subject that is without doubt one of the most difficult times you must have had to deal with. I’m so happy to see you back and feel your soul shining

Take care of yourself and believe in hope things will now get better, and so beloved sister of soul will you

  
Love and warm stuff
As always
Mushy


To give light to them that sit in darkness..... to guide our feet into the way of peace Luke 2:79


Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
22 posted 2002-05-07 10:48 PM


Thanks so much Chris...warming my face in the sun sounds like a great idea right now.

~sunny hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
23 posted 2002-05-07 10:52 PM


Thanks Karilea...I really need to have that attitude right now.
Today, I went outside for the first time in 5 days.  I scampered around the supermarket and did some grocery shopping...and I couldn't believe how it exhausted me.
I was told that it would take a few weeks to recover from radiation, and here I am expecting to be recovreed in 5 days...
I guess I'll just have to have some patience.

~hugs with attitude

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
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since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
24 posted 2002-05-07 10:55 PM


Thanks so much, Marsha...that was quite a welcome, but I really haven't been that far away.
Radiation is so terribly exhausting.
Today, I scampered out to do some grocery shopping and was so tired that I came home and took a nap for a couple of hours.
I wonder when I'll finally get back to normal again.
~loving hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Greeneyes
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In Your Poetic Mind
25 posted 2002-05-08 10:48 AM


Lyra~

Sweet lady, indeed you will survive...so good to see you here and writing you heart....be well...hope you are feeling better....
Lauren~

I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
Could I have been anyone other than me
True poems rest between the words
Give hope a chance to float, it will

Kethry
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since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082
Victoria Australia
26 posted 2002-05-08 11:08 AM


Lyra,
so good to see you up and about again. Thanks for the metaphoric poem. And for the daffodil imprinted gust of spring hope.
Keth

Here in the midst of my lonely abyss, a single joy I find...your presence in my mind.  Unknown



kaile
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singapore
27 posted 2002-05-08 01:15 PM


Lyra~

i have a deprived life so far...i am not sure whether i can tell a robin from a sparrow...i would really like to live near the woods some day...

i'm glad you beat those awful radiation treatments and am waiting for better things to come...

SmartChick
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since 2001-09-23
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On A Journey To The Unknown
28 posted 2002-05-08 01:24 PM


Lyra, I am so glad to see you back. And, even happier to hear that you are feeling better.
Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
29 posted 2002-05-08 11:20 PM


Thanks so much, Lauren...Its good to be back, but I thought I would be over the exhaustion by now...and I'm definitely not yet.  I talked to the nurse this morning and she told me that it takes weeks to recover from it...
Well...I'm impatient, I have to get to those daffodil bulbs before another chipmunk gets them...I don't have weeks....so I will recover sooner.
~loving hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
30 posted 2002-05-08 11:22 PM


Thanks so much keth...those daffodil bulbs are delicious!  And they give me so much energy...maybe I can skip my nap tomorrow and spend my time here instead!
~flowery spring hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
31 posted 2002-05-08 11:24 PM


Thanks sue...for the welcome.  I just got my hair cut today and I got it colored again too!  Now I don't look like a female Albert Einstein anymore.
~loads of hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

Madame Chipmunk
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-05
Posts 8296
Michigan
32 posted 2002-05-08 11:27 PM


Thanks Faterider...I'm not sure whether or not I beat the cancer yet, but my intuition tells me that I did.
As for the radiation treatments...well, I never thought I'd get through those...
I was SO sick and exhausted at the end that many times I was tempted to just give up...but I didn't and I did get through them so at least I can say that I gave it my best shot.
And of course, if the cancer IS gone...I have to make sure it stays gone.
~many hugs

Lyra

copyright2002 Lyra Nesius

"poetry is life distilled"  Gwendolyn Brooks

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