Stanford the Chipmunk

Once upon a time, there was a chipmunk who felt that nobody respected him. Perhaps it was true, maybe even justified. But Stanford was sorely miffed by the slights and ridicule he believed his neighbors cast at him.

There are creatures smaller than a chipmunk just as easily ignored, or more easily, in the bustling world of nature. Stanford was as likely to overlook and discount their contribution to life as his neighbors. He understood that many things in life are too unimportant to occupy one's mind; but he simply knew he was not one of those things.

Stanford stood upon his stump
And called for all to heed.
Dancing about, he did jump -
Their attention he did need.

"It has been said," he began,
"By so many gathered here,
'That life requires no plan
To pass from year to year.

'What will come is unasked,
So accept what you receive.
The future's always masked -
Its intent none can perceive.' "

The few who listened shrugged;
Most ignored the small chipmunk.
From their paths, they weren't tugged
By his unwanted show of spunk.

"But it isn't true," he cried,
"Your planned goals can be reached.
It's worthy to be tried -
So think ahead," he beseeched.

None replied to what he said,
Even if they had heard.
If his thoughts crossed their head,
To self, credit they transferred.

What good to know what’s right,
He grumbled to himself.
I live beneath their sight
On life’s neglected shelf.

Did I chose to be so low
Upon my social tree?
Could into a lion I grow
With opportunity?

Then they would notice me
And hang on every word.
My roar would say what’s to be --
To me, all choices deferred.

He saw himself as lion posed
To rule with deft command.
He swept aside all opposed
To do as he had planned.

The world he saw was transformed
To fit neatly in his mold.
To their tasks others swarmed,
Doing as he had told.

Stanford walked with eyes closed
To hold within his dream.
So content, now he dozed
To realize his fine scheme.

The world changed not a bit --
All continued as it was --
Dreamer alone with his wit,
Hearing his own applause.