Early Song
By Angie Bromeland Raccoon flagged down the crow that was swooping through the meadow. “Ah, good evening, Mr. Raccoon,” Crow greeted him in a ragged voice. “How can I help you tonight?” Mr. Raccoon cleared his throat. “I need you to talk to your fellow winged friend, the robin. Did you know he wakes at 4:23 each morning to begin his song?” Raccoon looked crazed. “It’s outrageous! I’m up all night hunting and scavenging, and then when I’m finally able to rest, the robin starts singing.” “Ah, yes,” Crow chuckled. “Robin isn’t one to lag in the morning. I’ll see what I can do.” And with that, the crow flew off. Raccoon watched Crow zigzag this way and that through the sky. Then, Raccoon turned around and made his way back into the forest. Raccoon made his home not at the meadow, but at the bottom of a rocky crag. It wasn’t the best place to find food, so he often came to the meadow when he first woke in the evening. He liked a hearty breakfast, and until he got one, he w...