"To Love a Raccoon"
 

One day a little while ago,
at my doorstep full of woe,
a tiny creature did appear,
soft and sweet and so dear.
What to do, I did not know,
where to turn or where to go.
So tiny and so frail was he
it was easy for me to see
I needed help and advice,
from someone who was very nice.

 A wildlife rehabber I did call,
because she so, knew it all,
every concern and fear I had,
she said, it was not so bad.
I can tell you what to do,
 cause not long ago, I was you.
Scared and feeling all alone,
with a baby raccoon born,
just about a day before.
I will guide you for I know,
you are frightened to the core.

Take a breath and follow me.
Don’t you worry you will be,
able to care, for this wee one,
for you have a heart like none.

For I have been to the Raccoon land.
Have seen the tail with many a band.
As clear as a bell and bright as the moon,
I know what it’s like, to have a Raccoon.

So I breathed and listened to
this kind and beautiful woman who,
hugged, then took me by the hand,
and lead me to the raccoon land.

It was then that I found
in my soul so deep down,
a raccoon with a banded tail
Oh dear God, don’t let me fail.
His masked face, it lit a flame.
I will never be the same.

For I have been to the Raccoon land.
Have seen the tail with many a band.
As clear as a bell and bright as the moon,
I know how it feels, to love a Raccoon.

Karen you will never know,
what you did with your glow,
or what that day meant to me.
and you will forever be,
my Raccoon hero, yes indeed.
I want you to know,
you are forever, my hero.

For I have been to the Raccoon land.
Have seen the tail with many a band.
As clear as a bell and bright as the moon,
now I know what it means,
to love a Raccoon.

Dedicated to Karen Inman
Wildlife Rehabilitator
St. Johns Wildlife Care

by Linda J. Sweeney
Wildlife Rehabilitator
Forest Babies

Poem and Photos copyright © 2007 by Linda Sweeney