April A. Severin - 'Rightful Return'

Rightful Return
By April A. Severin

I peel a black squirrel
from the world in which he is frozen
near the curb on Main Street West -
a world of black snow
and litter
His enemy parked next to him
as pedestrians disregard
his predicament

I carry Tail In The Air
from the world in which he is frozen
place him in the warmth of fresh Snow
under an old Maple Tree
at the edge of Dundurn Park
with sacred Tobacco
so his body may return to Turtle Island
and to honour his Spirit