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coyotes at midnight
by Lalo Kikirikicoyotes at midnight
moonlight fills the upstairs
room,
liquid blue as human milk
seeping into corners
just as quiet
just as slow
I float to the window
where a full moon
hangs
my flannel gown
unbuttoned to the navel
for night feeding.
Down in the yard two coyotes
(mated for life, some say)
stop,
staring up
to where I tremble
breath etching the four-paned window,
safe behind glass
The baby moans softly,
rolls over onto
your side of the bed,
long empty...
I was meant to waken
precisely at this hour
aching, still, from your betrayal
to meet the secret sharers
of our homestead,
shamed by their impassive eyes,
their animal devotion.
They cross the garden.
The female,
unhurried,
leads,
not looking back,
certain
her mate will follow.
10/24/2007 Posted on 10/25/2007
Copyright © 2024 Lalo Kikiriki
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by Coleman Demiurge on 10/25/07 at 06:25 AM This is very good. The way you examine and compare the bond between the coyotes and the bond (or lack thereof) of humans was pretty impressive. The subtle, yet poignant images, such as the baby on the bed and the quiet moonlight were also excellently executed. I adore that ending as well - strong poem; very well done. |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 10/25/07 at 03:07 PM I really like this study in bonds and the exchange of glances from the window. I like the four paned window that separates you from the coyotes. I did wonder about "your side of the bed, long empty" in relation to how old the baby is. |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 12/18/07 at 02:38 PM Really well done. Humans seem to have forgotten their animal past. It only seems to come out now in times of war. Very nice read! |
| Posted by Jo Halliday on 08/10/09 at 04:46 PM Brilliantly written! |
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