In the blistering heat of this summer, trees
haven’t given up completely:
leaves have curled, turned brown, shrivelled –
but they haven’t fallen.
They’re protesting with berries
and an abundance of acorns. Squirrels
have been running riot, early scavengers
preparing for the onslaught of winter.
Kim M. Russell, 24th August 2026
This Monday we are writing Quadrilles with Punam at the dVerse Poets Pub, and the word she has chosen to be included in our 44-word poems is ‘protest’.
writing in north norfolk 
Love the incorporation of squirrels… it is busy times right now.
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Thanks Björn. They really are busy.
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“They’re protesting with berries
and an abundance of acorns”
Nice one
much love
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Thank you, Gillena! Much love to you.
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It’s not been the warmest of summers up here in Vermont, mere steps away from the Canadian border. I’m signing up for anti-winter protests, though, knowing that I’ll miss whatever warmth we’ve got…
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A great take on the prompt Kim! our apple orchards are also protesting by dropping all their apples – unfortunately, they are not yet ripe….
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I love that last line, “the onslaght of winter.” Very nice contrast to the blistering heat of summer. I have 4 bluejays every morning at sunrise come to my porch for some unshelled peanuts and they have to compete witht he squirrels…best part of my day lol!! Great poem and you hit this one out of the park per usual! 🙏
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