Out in the WIld - Jan 2 2023

 

Out in the Wild

Jan 2 2023

The neighbours have glimpsed them.

There are reports of pets

attacked, or carried off.

Sometimes, just the manic barking

of dogs on high alert.

But I've only heard them

howling at night

somewhere in the distance.

When, instantly

I feel a thrill run up my back,

and every sense

on edge

as the adrenaline spikes

my heart races.

What I can only describe

as exhilaration

cut with anxiety.

So I've started carrying bear spray

on our walks,

keep a close eye on the dogs

out in the yard;

despite what the experts say

about the long odds

of wolves approaching people.

Such a charismatic animal;

clever,

formidable,

and so much like our dogs

we feel this odd affinity.

And they contain

such intriguing dualities.

Familiar

yet inscrutable.

Lethal

yet cautious and reclusive.

And fierce

but so gentle with their pups

   —  forbearing

and full of play.

Like domesticated dogs,

rough-housing

having fun

and nuzzling each other

with surprising affection.

Although too much like us

for comfort.

An apex predator

with a complex social order,

strong family,

and life-long attachments.

We live uneasily, side-by-side.

Two wary but respectful competitors

who occasionally encounter the other

out in the wild;

momentarily locking eyes

and catching a glimpse

of a bright inquisitive intelligence

looking unflinchingly back.