Dark dirt mounds litter my yard, evidence of a mole or
gopher infestation. Mini mountains crest my lawn like volcanic islands being
born. My landscaping beds, garden flowers, and plants have been frequent summer
snacks for the rodent population. In a fit of murderous critter-rage last night,
I spotted two entry tunnels – a rare find—and rushed into our garage for the
gopher traps. They weren’t there.
My plastic bag of dirt with the two metal gopher traps was nowhere
to be seen. Overturning tent tarps, lifting bocce balls, and sliding garden
supplies to the side produced no results. The yellow poison pellets were gone
too.
Spewing poison myself, I spoke impatiently to my husband,
and then to my son. Racing against time, I grabbed my car keys and wallet, and
squealed out of the driveway, muttering to myself.
The sun sank lower on the horizon, and the orange box superstore
glowed in the twilight as I parked. In front of me, a veiled matron ambled
calmly through the doors, wrapped in muted blacks and greys, except for one
bedazzled zebra and fuchsia purse that matched the black in her head covering. Pink
spots in her shoes poked out from the long robe, and I grinned in quiet
connection with her. Her son and husband walked gently beside her, intent on
their projects as well.
Inside I strode to the critter aisle, scanning the shelves for
my traps. My poisoned words echoed back to me. The sharpness of my words sliced
in. Wounds and gashes could be dealt so quickly. Items in hand I retraced my
steps to the front of the store, scanned my purchases, noted the sharpness of
the prongs, and quietly walked out to my car.
Tangerine, rose and grey-violet streaked the sky, layering
high. Crimson trees stood tall against yellow, blue and rust backdrops. Changing
gears, I pulled into my driveway, mounted the stairs, kissed my man, and
apologized to my towering son. “I’m sorry for spewing poisonous words. My anger
is at the moles and at having to buy the traps again, not you. Will you forgive
me?”
Darkness fell refreshingly cool as we read cardboard instructions
and tramped across tunneled grass together.
