Ode To The Racoon
By Yusef Komunyakaa
I have witnessed you
Wash your paws at the altar
Of your moony reflection
Halved by a dogwood.
People say grace over you
In the backwoods - garnished
With sweet potatoes & red peppers.
I have seen you fold paws across
Ringed eyes to shield out
Flashlights, as stout men
Climbed oaks to shake you down
For the dogs. Raised on hind legs,
With fruity entrails perfuming
The cold night air, you fought
Till men kicked the dogs off
To save you for their blessings.
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