A little chipmunk guest darted across the concrete slab of the back porch today, light as a windblown leaf. Quick pauses, then a flash of striped fur and whisker. He stopped to look at me just long enough to feel like a tiny greeting, then vanished into the rail shadow and back again. The slab must have seemed like a whole highway to him, every step a dash between doorways and hidden corners.

I like to think he’s mapping the place in his own way, drawing a small private atlas with his paws. For me, just a blink of company, but I’ll carry the visit for longer.

Current mood: settled
Current music: Chet Atkins – Mr. Sandman