Last night before bed I saw a large raccoon trundle out into the light of the street lamp not 50 yards from me. It was a big animal, unaware for long moments that I was looking on, taking in the sight of him. I was somewhat surprised at the casualness that he took out in the open; thinking maybe he was unafraid or uncaring of my gaze.
I was sitting silently watching the fog roll in off of the tree tops. How it danced and wavered in the light and breeze between the branches of the huge maple in my front yard, eerily falling in waves towards the ground. When out of a hedge he came silently into view. He walked 5 feet out of the shadows in to the driveway of my neighbors house, sniffing at the ground, looking onward. He was round and healthy, quite beautiful. Fixated on the pavement, looking, looking at something I could not see. He seemed to saunter though, cocky and amused.
I haven't seen such a large raccoon maybe ever. I was giving him no reason to change his direction or his intent on finding whatever it was he was looking for. I was just there noticing him. And in his looking he was unphased by my presence or simply remiss. Regardless, I know they are intelligent animals with a viscous streak. Something to be wary of. Yet I was not.
I found myself wondering what he would do when he finally did understand I was near. I found myself waiting for the moment to let him know. As the moments passed, I thought for sure he would see me there, hear or smell me. But he did not. I finally moved my arm slightly, just enough not to make a noise but create a movement he would certainly feel. With his masked face now pointed directly at me, he stared for what seemed like a long time. He gazed right into my eyes - weighing his options. He was in plain sight and knew it. He knew as well that I had been there longer than he had, observing him. It was unnerving to him I knew. But I was no threat to him, just reminding him about what is hidden, about secrecy and disguise. Who was the one wearing the mask? Who was transformed?
I knew it was me, as he very carefully sized me up once more and turned to slip into the night.
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