Time molds vivid memories from one’s past into the building blocks of one’s writing…
As mentioned in the Building Block post Squirrel Attack Poem, our interface, or possibly a time of ‘in-your-face’, with nature can be inspirational to a writer. Think about how nature took the upper hand and left you with wonderful story fodder… or almost being animal fodder.
Having spent endless hours in the woods behind my house, I was, at least in my mind, by eleven years old well aware of the haunts of nature; and of course I had that wonderful experience with a vicious squirrel, as I mentioned above. I was especially well aware of the danger from raccoons. I saw firsthand on one too many occasions how a raccoon’s sharp claws dealt with a nosey dog; not to mention dreaded rabies. Thus, at eleven I knew I had to be careful when I went on my first Boy Scout campout. However, I was eleven, and who listens to adults anyway.
We had a great day and it was time to say adios to the stars. Being tired from all that fun, it did not take long to fall asleep. Sometime after midnight I was woken by a rustling sound inside the tent. Being well versed in vampire and extra-terrestrial movies, I knew not to leap up. I slowly opened my eyes. And there in front of my face was the rear end of a raccoon; a big one.
The raccoon was apparently about to enjoy the Oreo cookies I had left out next to my sleeping area. With cookie in hand, the raccoon backed up and started using my face as a pillow. I knew not to move; as the last thing I wanted was for the obviously comfortable critter to swing around and rip my face open. Thankfully my breathing did scare — nor deter — the raccoon from its snack time; so I remained motionless for at least seventy-six hours…OK, about two minutes…until the varmint had its fill and waddled away.
Photo from WikipediA
I learned two things that night, don’t keep food in your tent, and raccoons do not say thank you when they eat your food.
Think about your ‘building blocks’; we can not write without them.
Simplicity Lane 
Excellent!! 😀 I loved the two things you learned, as well. 😀
Skye, I am sure the raccoon left thinking, “What a nice Boy Scout to share his Oreos”.
This story reminded me of a camping trip I went on….It was evening, and I was sitting by the camfire. A skunk decided to sit down right under my stadium chair. FOR TWO HOURS! I was terrified to move. It seemed a bit on edge…..when it left, I was quite relieved. Maybe I should always carry Oreos, too. 😀
Boy, that story could have had a stinky ending 🙂 Guess the skunk was waiting for the smores.
Lol. Smart skunk!! 🙂
Steve, you were so very wise to stay still. I’ve seen what a raccoon can do to a silky chicken… It is always good to “save face.” 🙂
Blessings ~ Wendy
Yes, ‘saving face’ overrode my normal eleven-year-old inquisitiveness and overenergyness.
I have raccoons out here every night…
when I first moved out here I had a mom and pop one..
they were friendly for some reason, would even eat with the cats, deer, and dogs and a opposum or two…
the past year…Rocky and mom are gone I learned alot watching them with their little ones…
the ones that are here now are mean..they fight…have a horrible cry…
I just listen, no need to go out and observe….
I so enjoyed your encounter….I hope I would have stayed so still…
Great post Steve…
Take Care..
)0(
maryrose
Thank you, appreciate your comment. I too have observed many a cute raccoon; even ones people have had as pets. Nevertheless, I always remember that animals in the wild have the metaphor ‘wild’ for a reason 🙂
Beautifully written my brother! I really love the poem…God bless!
Thank you Wendell, much appreciated.
Simply hilarious! So glad you survived to tell us the tale (no pun intended)!
No pun intended ? sure. 😉 Thankfully the tale did not go swoosh and make me sneeze!
Delightful, Steve, and glad you remained still! 🙂
Yes, an eleven-year-old boy staying still for more than a second is quite amazing.