Architecture of Sympathy

Winter:

It hides deep in a constructed burrow
for hours on end,

Behavior is limited to slight movements
and body temperature has dropped
significantly.

I can only imagine the cold - this Winter is threading records already.

Spring:

Life resumed at twice Autumn's pace
and feeding patterns adjusted to
the changes in the sunlight.

Its burrow is freshly decorated with
grass and leaves.

If I had to judge, I'd say he's built quite a competitive home for himself,
hopefully a new mate as well.

Summer:

Fred has died - I saw traces of remains trailed from his home, more than likely predators - but I've been monitoring his offspring.

They've just been born
and are doing quite well
despite the blazing heat
and long hours.

Perhaps I should name them too - they are all quite different.

Fall:

Two of the offspring have gone unaccounted for.

Long droughts have contributed
to many deaths in the area.

Lack of food has lead to starvation
amongst many native species.

I can only fear humanizing them - I've a habit of packing too much.

Winter:

Angela is the last survivor of Fred's,
and I cannot surely say this in the coming months.