Squirrels, small as the rubber ducks they ride,
push off across the bathtub’s troubled waters.
‘For the millionth time,’ the youngest squirrel complains.
‘We must,’ the lead squirrel says, ‘continue for our honour,
sustained by hope against the blatant facts.’
As they paddle with their non-webbed small squirrel hands
an undercurrent in the bathtub strengthens.
The precedent select plays with the stopper.