i saw a raccoon rattling
into the grass
as he gently made his way
into making a living
out of the rain
his gentle,
unrabied gate
started in my eyes
by a fire hydrant
ambled beneath a bush
too close to my building to see
and as i sat back at my desk
he reappeared
in my dream
in my waking
skidding toward the street
where he metered the car
driving by
ran fast
across the street
and seeking safety
retreated
into the sewers
wish i could give him
a better home
in my hands
bet he wouldn't bite
that cute, cute raccoon