The Wolf Moon of January

The Wolf Moon of January ‘Neath the wolf-moon in the sky above the deep-freeze North, Where the land is snow-covered and the air-filled with frost. Are heard the echoes of wolves following nature’s course, Throughout the valleys, and up and down the mountain slopes. A cold wind whips in the land where temperatures dip And trees crack, weighted down with snow, adhere to the slips. Where wolves silhouetted by full-moonlight howl eerily, Sending out reverberations of callings and warnings. Then quickly, the pack unites to traverse the landscape, In shadows, silently hunting and stalking their prey. Within parameters of marked boundaries they defend, Against predators encroaching onto their territory. *** Note: The first full moon of the year occurs in January and is referred to as the 'Wolf Moon,' a tradition originating with the First Nation Peoples of North America, who would hear wolves howling during the quiet cold winter nights of January. A full moon appears when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth to the sun and is lit up by the sun rays, which are then reflected to earth, revealing the full-moon face in the night sky. A 'Blood Moon' occurs during a total lunar eclipse.