May 19, 2004 ~ A Rabbit's Gift
Wednesday.
The wild rabbit turned and started running away as I came out the door. "Please wait," I pleaded, pulling out the camera. He paused and turned an ear toward me.
"I won't hurt you," I promised, softly. I stepped closer and took a few shots, speaking softly, "It's okay. Stay still. You're beautiful. I won't hurt you; I just want your picture."
The rabbit turned back around and started hopping toward me, and then he stopped when he was about seven feet away and sat there looking at me. "Thank you," I murmured, as I shook myself out of my surprise and started snapping pictures.
He was shedding his winter coat, and the lines of his fur were vivid between the patches. His nose and whiskers quivered, and I could see his dark, round eyes moving with my moves.
I had several pictures, so I lowered the camera. I could see his wild instinct to run fighting with whatever attraction had lured him back close to me. "Thank you," I said. "Go, if you wish."
He turned and ran down between the houses, through the back yard, and disappeared under the fir.
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