Wolf
The wolf tracks that circle my cabin
are almost three times larger
than my dog's
and my heart wants to skip
that familiar beat - in awe
while the breath catches
on a snow flake.
I feel the well of excitement
bubbling up
as if I had gotten an invitation
to a great performance
on the stage called life
and the play is a shadow play.
I don't see you, wolf, so I imagine you
sauntering noiselessly by my cabin at night
with your elegant, great gait
and soft padded paws
grey or black or both -
magnificent ruler of this land.
Canis lupus
- the name engenders either fear and loathing
or admiration and wonder
I'm on the admiration side:
such intricate matriarchy
and delicious wildness.
This valley where I live
in the North of Canada
is your territory.
We are the intruders.