one coyote

Three dogs, one regretfully leashed secondary to sutures, two on the expedient quest for fun, periodically tackling the leashed dog as they streak by, diving in and out of the irrigation ditch, running circles in the grass as the wind blows the community of blades like waves in the ocean. I am captivated by the scenery and the playful spirit of my friends, but I feel alone. I cannot seem to shake the feeling, so give up and embrace the constricting sensation of loneliness. K2 crosses our path in a streak of black with no sign of slowing upon my bellowing the “stop” command, she is moving toward a lone coyote. K2’s life is soon to end, as she is being lured into an awaiting pack of coyotes. The coyote and K2 disappear over a hill as I start on my way in their direction with plans of attack cycling through my mind as I look for a suitable stick in the field to use as a club. As my pace quickens rain clouds and virga encircle our world with a captivating light. Mid-stride I see K2 and the coyote come back over the ridge side by side, bumping into one another, smiling, weaving and pouncing on one another so fast and graceful. A look of surprise and interest crosses the other dogs faces, as well as mine; I cease the search for a weapon and watch them play for several moments; my smile is wide. K2 returns, with her new friend in tow. The smile on her face is unmatched. The slender coyote walks along our side about twenty meters away with keen interest for several minutes. Another coyote pup joins and stares curiously at the tangle of fourteen legs, tangled leashes and smiling faces. My loneliness is displaced by warmth and awe. Beauty exists in so many places.

~ by oneopenbook on June 18, 2008.