1 minute read
IT’S ONE THING TO FOLLOW RACOONS ON INSTAGRAM AND ANOTHER TO FOLLOW THEM IN REAL LIFE
Words by Miranda Carroll Illustrations by Yoon-Ji Kweon
I laugh, relaxed on the couch, at Instagram raccoons. At their bad-posture-spines and their chubby bellies. How sweet, a paper towel roll over its nose or playing, like a human, with a television remote control So adorable reaching from under the porch with their black gloved hands Grabbing a snack. I like it
I think we have the same spines but, Different habits I take melatonin so I can fall asleep at a regular hour, I put cream under my eyes to avoid dark circles, I wash my face twice a day
Scrolling, I see my friends at lunch, with more friends at a party Scrolling, I see a raccoon looking vicious
The light-up-the-night-flash contrasts with the black yard Teeth are bare white, shiny and Pointed at the tips like fresh mountains. It’s mostly menacing with lovable eyes A cat-dog baby wearing black-rimmed movie star glasses He purrs. I feel like I’m there. I like it
It’s one thing to follow raccoons on Instagram and another to follow them in real life, But I am heading into the night. Dressed in grey fleece, black gloves, and a hat, Peeping around, I’m looking for their feeding ground. Did I forget to wash my face? To watch my posture? In my hunt I curl over and toss on the grass a leftover banana peel, A crust, scraps. Tsk tssks tskk—a raccoon? I see him under that alpine hickory
You want a nibble? Reach out that paw and grab it, He does, he looks at me as if he wants me to take a bite too, I do. We have a meal together—he calls over some more friends. Their teeth are bare—noshing into my potluck snack. We eat together And continue into the night, not like on Instagram, Like a new group of friends. I like it
