Fortunately I was born in Naples, FL where palm trees, gumbo limbos, and pine trees are my backyard. In the 21 years of living here I’ve been exposed to all kinds of animals and wildlife. Black bears, possums, skunks, alligators, and several indiginous snakes to name a few. I was born with an education of what it is like to live in the woods. I was brought up to know things like, “red to black friend of Jack, red to yellow, kill a fellow,” referring to the bands on a coral snake. And if I were to see the trash cans knocked over in the morning, I would know it was the family of black bears living in our backyard, just searching for their dinner. Living in the woods has taught me a lot. Not only about what kinds of creatures are all around but about people and customs, that just aren’t that familiar. For example trick or treating. Wasn’t an option. I mean of course we weren’t deprived of a childhood, we just had to beg for candy at our friends neighborhood, or go down town. People around these parts of town don’t even know their neighbors names. But how can you? Right next door isn’t someone’s house, its all woods. Growing up in the woods has made a very big impact on my life. I know that I take it for granted sometimes when I take vacations, and go out of state. This Christmas I went to New York City. I couldn’t even imagine how it’d be if someone from the city and myself were to change places. They would freak out if they saw a corn snake in the yard, let alone a bear. They’d be amazed at all the roadkill in the street while driving.
No comments:
Post a Comment