Joe Versus the Raccoon

JOE VERSUS THE RACCOON By Kate H. Stark Each night ‘twas the same old proverbial shout. “Hey Joe, will you please take the garbage bags out?” Joe sighed, rolled his eyes as he walked toward the door. To take out the trash was his least favorite chore. And why, you might ask, does he dislike the task of bringing out bags to throw into the trash? The answer took place by the light of the moon. The bags were destroyed by a pesky Raccoon. With “chomps,” “gulps,” and “burps!” the Raccoon did ingest the dregs and the scraps in a midnight food fest. He called all his friends. “Hey, you guys, eat at Joe’s! The chow is abundant and slop overflows.” Raccoon and his buddies wolfed down odds and ends. A banquet is always more fun with some friends. They stuffed themselves silly, then sprawled in debris. As soon as the sun kissed the sky, they’d all flee. At first break of day, Joe awoke and looked out to pieces and morsels of grub strewn about. He grumbled an “Aaargh!” and with anger he flew downstairs and outside to the fest residue. “Eew gross!” he exclaimed and then picked up the ruin left all through the night by the irksome Raccoon. This vicious life cycle went on for a year. Joe took rubbish out, the Raccoon would appear. But then Joe’s frustration hit higher than high. A type of frustration he couldn’t deny. “It’s time I devise a great plan of attack. Joe versus Raccoon - and I’m not holding back!” Raccoon was about to lie down for a rest. He heard a voice come from the place of his fest. “Joe versus Raccoon? What on earth does Joe mean?” “He best not disturb my fun party routine!” Miffed Joe bought a book, and he started to read The Ways to Control a Rude Raccoon Stampede. Raccoon stole a guide that he read front to back The Ways to Survive a Rude Human Attack. Joe trekked all around and accrued lots of things, from bungees to locks and a whole pile of strings. Raccoon made a list of important details. He flossed his sharp teeth, and he polished his nails. Joe found heavy rocks, cinder blocks, and a light to stop the Raccoon from its feasts overnight. Raccoon rang his friends, and he let them all know, “our bashes might end if I don’t outsmart Joe.” Unwavering Joe worked throughout the whole day in hopes that his plot kept the Raccoon away. Raccoon slept and slept half the day till nightfall. He rolled out of bed. “Time to give it my all!” The evening arrived. As Joe finished, he said, “This plan better work,” and he ran off to bed. Raccoon drank a shot of espresso to prep. “Tonight’s the big night with no room to misstep.” Joe slumbered that evening and had the best dream, imagining fame from his big Raccoon scheme. He won an award, and it glistened and shined. “You tricked the Raccoon! You’re a true mastermind!” And meanwhile outside the Raccoon got to work. He labored and toiled with a garbage-y smirk. Then just as the night disappeared into dawn, Raccoon finished up, scampered off and was gone. Joe woke up quite pleased from his grand sleepy trance. He readied himself for the very first glance. He peeked out the window with hope in his eyes. And he was then met with...UNPLEASANT SURPRISE! “Oh Nooooo! It can’t be! It just isn’t fair! That vexing Raccoon made a wreck everywhere!” Joe raced down the steps, and he ventured outside for much clearer looks at the mess he had eyed. Amidst all the filth, the Raccoon left a note. He wrote it in trash. (The Raccoon liked to gloat.) The message was clear rotting under the sun. The score read: Joe - 0. Raccoon scored a 1. “This feud is not over! I will not give in! I’ll even the score and eventually win!” Joe’s viewpoint on taking out trash changed that day. His mission for life: KEEP THE RACCOON AT BAY! Raccoon felt such pride from his night of success. His mission for life: KEEP ON MAKING A MESS! Raccoon was quite tricky and strived to outwit, and Joe was fighter who NEVER would quit! Both Joe and Raccoon would continue their war. Joe’s score is still zero. Raccoon, twenty-four.