Pause amidst the flurry of life,
to catch a flicker of reddish fur,
and a flash of a dark, watchful eye.
Eastern chipmunks are underground engineers.
Begin with a tidy, two-inch round hole,
swept clean and camouflaged with fallen leaves.
The burrow features a nest chamber,
a cradle for sleep, and the raising of young.
From there, the tunnel becomes a maze,
angling to resist collapse and drain water away.
There are several entry points,
all cleverly tucked behind vegetation,
routes for swift retreat or silent return.
Hawks, owls, and foxes roam.
But beneath the soil?
It’s a world for one.
A solo suite under the forest floor.
© 2025 Vicki — All photographs and text are protected by copyright and may not be used without permission.