Meadow Reign

A swelling in his nostrils bulged. His crooning bellows off distant cliff. The bull elk’s mane expands in rhythm Mates are sought through distant forest. Challengers may seek a struggle, but, must withstand his bending thrust. The raucous song of crashing antlers, will defeat all rivals with sharpened tines. The heard is now his ruminate kingdom. Females submit to his aroused gestures, like hooves sinking into the soft meadow. The rut procures new lives in spring. When wildflowers are grazed on hillsides, until the summer grasses sustain, and falls dried stalks consumed, winter’s trees provide twigs for browse. Fear does not drive the regal elk. He will stamp the dust against bear and wolf. Their marauding paws and slashing fangs, cannot defeat his burnished rack.