Beaver

Up and down ladders

Of western ponds, mountain streams

Many generations 

Have wrought the landscape

Into managed farms, of decades

In wild rotation

Strength from head to tail

Teeth to bring down mighty trees

Tails to power water

Swim or sound alarm

A strong frame for winter sleep

Dive through frigid water

To the dry platform

The dark dreams of milky warmth

Security from work

Instinctual, a world reshaped

The ultimate artisans

Unconscious artists