the coyote paused
paw in mid-step
fur buffeted gently
by winter’s breeze
ears flexing forward then
step,
coil,
spring
up and down
head-first into the snow
bushy tail twisting
like an auger
driving him home
mere moments pass before
snow-covered snout
returns to view – victorious!
a few rapid gulps and
the prize –
field mouse,
gopher,
vole – is gone
then quickly on to another
and another
and another…
Winter’s white mantle is
too thin this season to deter
anything but good hunting…