Reconnoitering Raccoons

When I looked in his yard I could hardly believe
that raccoons were abiding in the maple tree.
(My good neighbor had recently taken his leave
  on a long business trip so he left me a key.)

So while keeping an eye on his place every day,
it was fitting that I watch back yard as well.
I began raccoon watching and all I can say
is it broke up my day and I thought it was swell.

As the evening arrived and I checked on, “coon brood,”
I discovered that mother raccoon had come down.
(I assume she came out of the tree for some food,
  yet with keen trepidation she looked all around.)

Then I noticed another adult in descent,
(I assume it was father--but I am not sure!)
He was followed by youngsters--that is how it went
and I must tell you that such a sight had allure.

There were six raccoon children who followed all right
down the tree trunk to line up on sod by the swing.
The appearance of discipline caused me delight
as I wondered what further insights they would bring.

Thus I watched them align like a small Army troop
and then separate smartly to scurry in pairs.
Seeing four groups of twos did throw me for a loop
while I shook my head several times between stares.

One pair made for the gate in the back of the yard
and another pair scurried to the common fence.
In this ongoing drama I was justly jarred
by the sight of raccoons instituting suspense.

As I gazed I saw another two venture forth
and cross Mockingbird Lane to then trespass a lawn.
Then the final two raccoons with verve headed north
to inspect and explore a small neighborhood pond.

They returned when the sunlight was losing its zip;
by the base of the tree they reformed their, “coon clan.”
Seeming satisfied by their paired neighborhood trip,
they ascended the tree like all good raccoons can.

(Living up in a tree are raccoons quite unique.
    Many times I have seen them before day is done.
    For the most part, existence is mild and meek,
    yet they will reconnoiter for family fun.)


40 Lines
Writer’s Cramp
August 6, 2014

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Reconnoiter [ rek-uh-noi-ter]....to examine or survey (a region, area, etc.)
for engineering, geological, or other purposes.