The Dirigible Balloon
Poetry for Children

Curious Earl the Philosopher Squirrel

Sometimes as I scurry
to gather my stash,
my thoughts starts to wander,
they’re gone in a flash.

I skitter with questions,
like what’s a nut for?
Sure it’s a meal,
but what’s at its core?

What kernel of truth
lays hidden inside it?
And if it’s so special,
why do squirrels hide it?

What’s this? Why that?
My questions abound!
The blue sky! The dewdrops!
It’s all so profound!

So if you’re feeling stuck
and bored of the world,
try seeing it different,
try seeing it squirrel’d!

About the Writer


Stefan Karlsson

Stefan is a poet and artist based in Portland, Oregon. He received his MFA in Poetry from the University of California-Irvine. His poems (for children) have appeared in The Dirigible Balloon, Paddler Press, Little Thoughts Press, and Tyger Tyger Magazine. His paper marbling artwork can be found on Instagram @nautiluspaper, and his poetry for kids can be found on Twitter @stefkidlit and on YouTube @StefanKidsPoetry.