The Hard Road Traveled, or Visit with a Raccoon

By Kim Childress

“The journey of 1000 miles begins with one step.” -Lao Tzu

Before I left mother raccoon stopped by,

as if to say goodbye,

her six new kits following behind.

In our previous interactions,

we had an understanding,

this raccoon and I.

I believe she recognized, I too am a mother.

“Be true to yourself. To All. No masks. Be resourceful, be clever, follow the path.”

Then she walked on, along the dirt path, into the woods. Her newborns followed behind, one by one, camouflaged among the trees and shrubs, blending into invisibility.

#Raccoon #Masks #Parenting #Path #LifeJourney

raccoon hanging out on a tree