Moon Shadows
by
N.E. Nelson
copyright © Protected by stcroixartbarn.com 
 

This deer trail runs through a
tamarack swamp and when darkness
falls and moon shows itself bright
I follow hoofed prints on packed snow

As I walk this trail in moonlight
shadows of all shapes and sizes mimic
and pretend to be symbols of old fears
and new curiosities

Bare oak trees stand tall and black atop
a hill like burnt cinder shadows against 
sparkling snow branded by foot prints
of all shapes and sizes

Behind me
on a ridge I walked only moments earlier
a pack of coyotes start to howl and yip

Yip and howl as if celebrating a kill
or simply jeering at an unsuspecting human
Moon shadows now become coyote silhouettes