Release
#3 of Poetry
This is the third of four poems I did for my creative writing class. We were told to come up with a location that gives us hope.
Like the previous poem, this also is a true story. I was volunteering at a wildlife rehab center, and we had a group of raccoons that were getting ready for release. On my 21st birthday, we released them in the location described. I realize that the location itself isn't what made it special, but the events that occurred there are. This was not the only release I did while volunteering there, I had the privilege to help in the rehab and release of foxes, squirrels, birds, and several other animals as well. But this was my first one, and was special in a way that I still don't think I captured in this poem, but it's as close as I'm going to get.
As always, comments and constructive criticism is welcome. :)
-- Release --
My trembling fingers reach for the latch.
Raccoons chitter and scratch
From within the cage.
The stream nearby trickles with glee
As the leaves in the trees rustle greetings
The raccoons have finally come of age.
Once abandoned by parents, dead or long gone.
The young ones surely had done nothing wrong.
They cried out - lonely
Hearing the sounds of crying young creatures
Someone follows it, finding the squeakers
Small and comely.
Masks of black break up their silvery gray,
Their striped, puffy tails all sway in every which way.
Who will take care of them?
They're taken to the Center
For animals lost, sick, injured.
It's short drive away, surely they'll answer,
"What happened to them?"
A year passes by, the babies grow up
The dear little things, no longer just pups.
Their new home awaits.
When the cage latch opens, the raccoons crawl out
And explore their surroundings, confused, there's no doubt.
Will they be happy?
Then all five faces turn upward at me
Their eyes widen, all gleaming, "We're finally free,"
Their lips tightened back and showed just two tiny teeth
As they smiled at me "Don't you dare worry!"
In my mind this place still exists,
I remember it well, the peace of this visit.
I close my eyes, and listen.
The stream nearby trickles with glee
As the leaves in the trees rustle greetings
The eyes of raccoons looking up as they glisten.