A Rabbit's Dream

Two small eyes scanned the grass-covered world outside from under the metallic shelter, as two upright ears kept focused for any potential danger that might be nearby. As the eyes shifted their gaze around, they noticed other pairs of eyes that belong to other members of the colony of rabbits. They could see each small gray head bubble up in random chorus to gather in the first hint of sunlight in the stony recess of the abandoned car junkyard.

One by one, the rabbit and the others recognized the start of a new day with a careful study of their surroundings as they started their morning migration to the pond, which lay on the perimeter of the yard. Cautious, quiet hops revealed each small gray body against the backdrop of dew-covered patches of grass, torn and broken bodies of cars and trucks left out in the field, and the decrepit structure of the old shotgun house. A chill from a weak gust of wind nudged the rabbit and the others of its colony onward.

Out and onward the ritualistic exodus continued from hiding places towards the water, as meandering, but purposeful, as brooks. Streams of small bodies made their way across the field, with spotted eddies as some rabbits scampered in play, while yet others stayed in place to take in a morsel of grass. Vigilant eyes noticed other fellow members already ahead in the field leading to the water. The yellowing of the yard by the sun cast shadows from the large structure of rust covered creations of man, once cherished by man, but now thrown away, forgotten by all except the rabbits who sought safety and shelter in their aged and twisted metal frames.

The rabbit stopped and reached up on its hind legs to see, smell and hear more of its near and distant surroundings: a trace of fog covered the pond down below; ducks floated on its surface as they preened themselves; a waft of earthy tones from its muddy banks reached out in greeting, and a large silvery fish had breached the water's surface, disturbing the pond's tranquility with its splashing reentry.

Two white geese honked from overhead as they swooped down on final approach, flaring at the last moment before touching down onto the water. The rabbit watched them with minor interest, still attentive to any danger; however, none had been detected and the birds did land, so the rabbit decided to continue its descent towards the pond.

Minutes later as the rabbit approached the water's edge, it looked all around again before allowing itself to drink. The morning pond was refreshingly cool and it could feel the cold water in its body after swallowing some. Satisfied, the rabbit turned to find young shoots of herbaceous plants nearby. Plant after plant, the rabbit worked to satisfy its hunger, all the while alert to its surroundings as the morning light grew brighter. The ducks had stopped preening and now seemed content to paddle along the waters edge, occasionally submersing upside down to feed. Another rabbit hopped its way nearby to feed on the same patch of young shoots, both aware of the other's presence.

In silence, the two continued to eat.


The early morning had passed and the field and pond were in bright daylight. Several members of the colony still persisted in the grassland between the pond and the sanctuary of the rust pile which they otherwise sheltered. The geese were gone and the ducks had ventured to the opposite side of the pond. The rabbit, back in hiding under its steel perch, yawned, content with its feeding for the morning, and watched the activities outside as it had done the previous days of its life.