The Sky is Falling
I'm perched on a cushioned stool at the marble countertop of Annikah's kitchen, biochemistry notes spread around me. Dr. J's distinctive voice sounds from Annikah's laptop playing the latest physiology lecture. Rain is drizzling outside, making the leaves though the windows appear brighter. I look up from my studies to contemplate what type of trees reach their branches towards the windows. In the distance, one similar to the crape myrtle outside my own house stands, but the other two appear more generic, only the shape and shade of their green leaves distinguish them from one another.
I'm thinking of recording my observation of the trees and maybe exploring them in more detail when a brownish green flailing blur plummets past the window. Annikah looked up in time to catch the strange sight, drawn out of her studies by the thrashing sound preceding the fall. We glance at each other perplexed before getting up to look out the window. The sight that greets us makes me wish I'd whipped out my phone to snap a picture. Amidst a cluster of leaves clinging to a thin branch sits a dazed looking squirrel. A SQUIRREL. The little creature recovered quickly, popping up to scurry off in the direction of a neighboring tree. I've always thought squirrels rather agile, and definitely never seen one fall from a branch. We found the whole situation hilarious, though I must say that I rather identify with the little fellow. If I was a squirrel, I would probably be the one to fall out of a tree. I guess the universe decided we deserved a laugh and a little break.
According to my Plant Snap app, the three is a Chinese Gooseberry, but that could be wrong, since it's based on a photo take from another photo. you should try Plant Snap. The basic version is free, but it's addictive. Every time I take my dog for a walk I am Plant Snapping, but the basic version only allows for a few each day. But it's useful in identifying trees and plants. Squirrels are rather agile, and they don't usually fall unless they're making a jump that's too far for them, or being chased. I'm glad you got a little break.
ReplyDeleteI love the kind of solemn, grey scene you began describing and the juxtaposition of not just the vibrancy of the green trees outside your window but also the burst of activity of the squirrel breaking the monotony. I feel like we all need that once in a while, probably even more-so when trekking through lectures all day! I also think if I were a squirrel I would be one to fall out of a tree, hope that no one saw it and pop up and run away. I love your appreciation for the still beauty and the sporadic breaks of it as well.
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