Brother by Another Mother

We watched the raccoons from our upstairs window.  The three of them attempted to eat the entire truckload of soybeans, but finally gave up.  As they climbed down, the portliest fell to the ground.  I thought it was hilarious, and went outside to get a closer look.  When they saw me, they ran around the barn and I knew they had climbed to the roof when I heard the click- click of their claws on the tin.  I was almost rolling in laughter when I heard click- click-screech- thud.  The clumsy one slid down the roof and dropped like a bean filled bag of fur.

I imagine the other coons got a good laugh at his expense.  Then I realized the clumsiest was akin to me. I was watching my brother of another species. Maybe he’s a karmic twin.

Maybe he’ll compensate for being inept at raccoonery by studying hard and learning to write witty stories.  Perhaps he’ll use his clumsiness to make the other raccoons laugh and attract lady coons.  Maybe in years to come he’ll move to a small town and complain about the raccoon government.  Do you think he’ll retire from raccoon affairs and yell at the young raccoons to turn down their stupid music and pull up their furry pants?  We’ll have to wait and see.