The Fox

‘Look, it’s a fox!’ – their two hearts spoke

Together. A fortunate day

That was when they saw him, a russet spark

Blown from the wood’s long-smouldering dark

On to the woodside way.

There, on the ride, a dog fox paused.

Around him the shadows lay

Attentive suddenly, masked and poised;

And the watchers found themselves enclosed

In a circuit stronger than they.

He stood for some mystery only shared

By creatures of fire and clay.

They watched him stand with the masterless air

Of one who had the best right to be there –

Let others go or stay;

Then, with a flick of his long brush, sign

The moment and whisk it away.

Time flowed back, and the two walked on

Down the valley. They felt they were given a sign –

But of what, they could hardly say.