92128: A Bestiary

The medieval bestiary was a basic community document, containing treatises on real and mythological animals. The books were richly illustrated and chock full of moralistic instruction designed to improve the soul. The books were part natural history, part fantasy and part morality. It is also a complete list of the monsters that lurk in the dark places of your village.

In Seven Oaks, the feline, avian and reptilian species abound but my earliest encounter in 7 Oaks is still the most dramatic. On. a walk down Callado Street I came in close contact with a snowy egret that was strutting between parked cars. In time, I named this beast Joe but our first encounter was not expected and I was shocked by Joe’s nonchalance and beauty. He owned the place while I merely visited. In many cultures the egret is the symbol of long life. In a 55 and older community Joe was meant to be there patrolling the streets.

More mundane were the rats that scurried about the place. Rats are almost universally disgusting but they also fit the bill symbolically. They represent wealth and abundance in more than one culture and the dominate many conversations in 92128. Some people are known for how many rats they have summarily disposed of. The largest rat killer stat that I’ve heard is 89… and that is impressive hunting. Another symbol of abundance-the rabbit- is equally stalked by some. Rabbits are controversial. For some they are “cute little bunnies” and for others they are, “those mangy bastards.” Feelings about rabbits are directly related to whether or to you regrowing tomatoes.

The king animal, the beast that occupies the psyche of the inhabitants of 7 oaks is the coyote. The coyote can live anywhere. The Navaho culture will advise you to turn back if you see a coyote in your path. Coyotes dominate the thinking of all 7 Oaks people. Canis latrans is death to the small ankle biting, irritation dogs of the village and the citizens are on perpetual watch. Almost every casual conversation includes one or more references to a coyote sighting.

A swirling dance of lizards never ends in the hood. The tiny squamates are flitting everywhere with the skink dominant in terms of numbers. Joe gets a few to be sure but he has only scratched the surface. Early on a quiet morning you can almost hear the scrabble of thousands. For many, the lizards indicate a messenger from the spiritual realm. The Greeks and Egyptians saw the lizard as a symbol of wisdom and good fortune.

The doves -symbols of peace and love-coo daily and birdsong often fills the air. As a counterpoint the dominant insect-the termite is everywhere, as are the circus tents that envelop many houses. Fumigation is necessary. Ironically, the termite is a traditional symbol of social interaction and group strength.

These are the most common animals of 92128. The rattlesnakes and crows are there but I choose to ignore them.

The neighborhood is teeming with totemic animals that suggest abundance, long life and good fortune. The last animal to consider is the human. More on that next.