Rabbits Rabbits

It's the first day of a new month.  I really would like to celebrate, as if the universe knows that a significant thing on our human calendar has happened.   I am not a native New England-er and perhaps that is why I hold many things New England near and dear to my heart.  New England summer is top of the list.  Today is July first and while summer does come late here this is getting a bit insane.

We broke many weather records in June, mostly rain, wettest, least amount of sun, etc. etc. etc. and it is slowly driving me and all I know, truly mad.

When my husband and I were dating I noticed a little custom of his.  He has a superstition that rules if the words "Rabbits Rabbits" are the first words you utter on the first day of a new month than you will experience good luck all month long.

It's 6:35 am on 7/1/09 and I just spoke my first words.  "Rabbits Rabbits."  PLEASE!!!!!!  I never remember to do this but currently there is a lot of rabbit-ty things going on . . . so I remembered, could it be a sign?

The boys and I just finished reading Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson.  I found it in the "modern classics" section of my favorite book store (The New England Mobil Book-fair).  I purchased it sort of as a joke.  We, you see, have a wild rabbit infestation in our yard.  The rabbits quite frankly are driving us mad and are of constant conversation (and more) in our home.  What turned out as a silly little mommy joke ended most brilliantly.  The book is wonderful.  Classic in every sense of the word, just the kind we like.  The final chapter had me dissolved to tears, stuttering and choking to get the words out.  There is plenty of humor and just like a good classic, it has a magical and peaceful lesson.

The part that pulled at my emotions so strongly was in the end the human neighbors of the wild life creatures are the kind of "folk" that feed the animals generously and in turn the animals make the "folks" gardens and yards sacred space.  No animal was to touch, by their own cree-do, what had not been given.  Oh did I cry.  I want to be that kind of folk, more so, I wish that Mr. Dave was that kind of folk . . .(not the kind that throws rocks, leaves out poison, and plots all strains of malicious injustice).

For months the demise of our resident rabbits has been plotted and attempted.  I am sorry but they are costing us lots and lots of money.  They are eating everything in the gardens, not vegetable, perennial.  They have no mercy and can take something to the ground in the blink of an eye.  The sheer volume they consume is inconceivable and merciless.  One rose bush, one day, $40.  That is one rabbit, one day.

Last week one rabbit met his end.  The red tail hawk that constantly circles our yard finally had success (which we had been hoping for).  The scene was out of some horror show and made me shutter to say the least.  The imprinted image still sends chills. 

So we are one rabbit down, and I find myself riddled with guilt and sadness that we couldn't have built a storybook relationship with them.  At the same time I am so over the top thrilled that a new month is here, and new book needs to be read !

RABBITS RABBITS!

Comments

[Liz]

My grandma taught us to say "Rabbit Rabbit" when we were younger. I usually forget to say it though (mommy brain).