“A SQUIRREL’S TALE” – by Des Kelly
Brought back precious memories of a little baby squirrel I picked up, from under a magnificent flamboyant tree, growing directly opposite to our home in Moratuwa.
I was about six years of age, did not know what to do with this little bundle of fur, took it in to Mum, who decided to feed him a tiny quantity of milk with the help of an eye-dropper. Amazingly, this seemed to keep him alive, and
Tommy became the first beloved pet in our home, and mine, in particular.
As he began to get older, Tommy would snuggle up in the pocket of my school-shorts and accompany me to school, where he soon became a favourite with not only my other classmates, but also with the Nuns who taught us. Tiny bits of cashew nuts in my pocket kept him fed, until we got home to more milk from Mum. My tale has a happy ending, as Tommy stayed with us until he was fully grown, not ever wanting to escape, till lured away, I suppose, by a female squirrel whose intent was to start a family of her own. Tommy did very well, thank you, and I was happy for him.
Now, we have another Squirrel with a magnificent tail (which they all have), in a tale sent in by Keith Bennett, especially for e’Lankans all over the place. Thank you Keith.
Desmond Kelly.
(Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka.
