22 Comments
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Marisol Muñoz-Kiehne's avatar

Yesterday, today,

grubs for grabs, for Raccoon meals.

Again tomorrow?

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Neil Barker's avatar

A lovely haiku, Marisol! Thank you and very much appreciated.

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Richbee's avatar

Raccoon dance. Paws dig

Do a jig. Stomach stuffed, stomping for joy, fed for another day, future bright.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Reads as a most descriptive and relevant poem, Richard. Thank you and very much appreciated.

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Michael's avatar

Yesterday goes into the future

If there is no memory it never was

Oh, mischievious bandit.

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Neil Barker's avatar

A most appropriate poem, Michael! Thank you and much appreciated.

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Roberta McKay's avatar

We would get two raccoons right outside our door playing with each other. I thought they were cute but when I told my older neighbor she said, "Gosh darn varmints!"

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Neil Barker's avatar

That's funny to have them playing so close by. I know they're not everyone's favourite critter! I do like watching them though. Especially seeing them figure things out. :)

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

This is a great series, Neil. I really enjoyed the video clips of the raccoon foraging and also taking direct notice of the camera. And a thoughtful sijo!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Heidi and very much appreciated! This Raccoon was quite focused and a most patient subject for those clips. :)

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Heidi Zawelevsky's avatar

Breakfast came first.:)

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Neil Barker's avatar

Haha, priorities. :)

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Joni B's avatar

It's a pleasure to watch such a healthy, happy critter in their lush, verdant surroundings. Thank you!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Agreed, Joni and this was a treat to see them that morning. Happy to share and thank you, too!

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Sandy S's avatar

Neil, my first visit to your Substack and what a treat it is! The Yesterdays poem is a good reminder to slow down and live in the moment at least a few times a day, for me anyway. I have at least one raccoon who visits most nights, though I rarely see it. The visits are revealed by beautiful paw/handprints left in the bottom of a ground level ceramic birdbath. Many thanks for sharing your charming raccoon!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you, Sandy and very much appreciated! That is great that you are able to see their pawprints left from their visit to that birdbath. Hopefully you have a chance to see them and on their visit next time.

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Rajani Radhakrishnan's avatar

Oh love the raccoon...!! Made me wonder if 'Migug' is used only to refer to the country - and not in translations like "American Raccoon"!

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Rajani. Yes, you are right about Migug/Miguk/미국 being the Korean word for USA. That word America/아메리카 is more like an adjective. Also similar spelling as the coffee drink americano/아메리카노. :)

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Aria Vink's avatar

That’s a chunky little fellow!

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Neil Barker's avatar

They are eating quite well!

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Beverley Dickson's avatar

What a wonderful little fellow and thanks for this amazing mindful few moments in USA nature

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thanks, Beverley and they're a treat to watch and quite intelligent. :)

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