After a long day of light work Erastus felt a familiar nagging at his belly. A fat squirrel perched on a bowing branch was watching him as he fed the fire, but offered him nothing but a suspicious glare. The sky was suddenly grayed by a passing storm cloud that promised evening showers. Erastus might have offered the creature shelter but knew he would refuse with less than a grateful "thank you," and instead went to the cupboard to fetch his skillet.

Upon his return the curious rodent had found its way onto his windowsill and stood with an offering: a rosy-brown chestnut, smooth and clean.

"Many thanks, my tiny friend" he said, pinching the nut and turning away to find him a suitable exchange.

"I don't suppose you'd care for a slice of cheese? Or perhaps a drop of honey?" he asked, returning to the cupboards. But upon his return the creature was gone back to its home.

Ha! It seems I have underestimated the generosity of squirrels, Erastus mused, and went about his meal.

Dancing through the trees,

Barely a rustling sound,

I saw a fat squirrel.

Offering silence,

Asking nothing in return,

He smiled from his heart.

I should have smiled back,

And I think I almost did,

But then he was gone.

Goodbye tiny squirrel,

Nature smiles upon those who

give without receipt.