Mrs. Rabitowitz

Trust.

.

Last evening, as I went to the garden to put out dried fruit and nuts, as well as bird food for this morning, I noticed Mrs. Rabitowitz waiting for me under the back hedge - looking off to the side as if she couldn't see me. Of course she does see me, and I always greet her, "Hello Missie Wabbit!" I think she likes such familiarity.

.

I believe rabbits prefer to eat more at sunset and into the evening, returning just before dawn, for breakfast. (I may be mistaken, but I think this custom is observed only in winter, and may be derived from the Jewish manner of fasting, as on the 17th day of Tammuz. Although some rabbits can snack on other things throughout the day, as food may be scarce this time of year. Naturally, during mating season and after babies are born, no fasting is permitted.)

.

Of course, Mrs. Rabitowitz always leaves a goodly portion for the squirrel family, as well as the birds who arrive shortly after sunrise. Although by the time Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal return, much of the food is gone. (Not to worry however, they often stop by right at dawn as well. They are good friends with the Rabitowitzes.)
.

Anyway, I placed Mrs. R's food on the little table, making sort of a racket by dropping the fruit and nuts, letting her know what a delicious supper awaited her, considering how Mr. Squirrel and all the birds were in bed at that time, a luxury not lost on the Mrs. since she is free to dine at her leisure.

.

After I finished serving, I noted she was no longer in the back hedge, "Ah, she must have run off, rabbits are so shy." I mumbled to myself, as I turned to enter the house. At that moment I noticed her out of the corner of my eye, two or three feet from me, beneath the south hedge, waiting to eat. I acted as she does, pretending not to notice, although I knew, she knew, I knew she was there.

.

We had no need to speak, our trust said it all.

.

The End.
.
Note: I'm not sure if it is true, but I was told some people, as well as animals, fast and pray for the peace of Jerusalem. If that be simply a myth, perhaps people might begin to do so these days. Coincidently, today is also Holocaust Remembrance Day, as designated by Pope Benedict XVI.