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…