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Hi! My name is Rebecca. I live in your neighborhood, and thought I'd
drop by to introduce myself and get to know you a little better. My
family has lived here for generations. Back then, it was just the first
nation’s people and my ancestors, and we co-existed quite well as
neighbours.
I see you have a family. I'll be having one soon too which is why I'm
out house hunting. Do you know any places that allow children? My
lifestyle has me sleeping all day and working all night. I don't need
much room, and I'm not terribly noisy. Not the gossipy type either. I'm
too busy minding my own business,
feeding the kids and teaching them how to live in our environment.
Speaking of the environment, I remember when this area was just one big
forest? Now most of it has disappeared. If we keep developing at this
rate, there won’t be any trees left. I suppose it comes down to
lifestyles. I know that I've had to make a lot of adjustments in my
lifetime. I hate to think what will happen to my children, and their
families. The natural food sources are dwindling too. There used to be
brambles and hazelnut trees right here. Oh, how I long for the good old
days.
What do you think about all this pollution? Why, some days I can hardly
see the mountains. Remember when you didn't worry about drinking out of
the local streams? I'd rather take my chance with swimming pools
nowadays. Speaking of swimming, have you noticed all the oil run-off
from the roads? It goes right into the ocean, you know. Affects
everything, not just the water but fish, clams, crabs, the sea grasses
along with the wildlife that uses it all for habitat and food. Most of
it comes from those noisy cars. It’s getting worse every year; if you
don't gag on their exhaust, they run you down. My cousin was killed not
far from here just last month.
Well, I do go on, don't I? I hope that I haven't overstayed my visit but
I'm awfully glad that we've met.
Oh yes, about my house. I only
need an entrance of about 5 inches. Can you believe that? Why, I’ll bet
looking at me you never would have guessed that a roly-poly raccoon
could get into a space that small. Of course, if you would prefer not to
have me as your neighbor, take down your signs. If my friends and I
can't find food, water, or readily available shelter in your yard, then
we'll move on. Mind you, a little space under your porch will suit me
just fine or, if you prefer, I can make a den under your shed. I don't
want to cause any problems for either one of us. I only want a shelter
to raise my family. It’s really unfortunate that in order for you to
have space to raise your family that my kind must re-adjust and pray
that you will allow us to co-exist. I can promise you that my friends
and I will feast on the rat population and take care of those slimy
slugs which we consider dessert.
Nice meeting you.
Rebecca.
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