Canis Lupus - the Gray Wolf
Canis Lupus, gray wolf of forest and brushlands,
Where denning sites throughout are plentiful and safe,
With gifts of strength, endurance and great stamina,
You travel on for hours before fatigue sets in.
As Alpha male, joined with your Alpha female mate,
You lead the pack which heeds and follows your commands.
You join in pairs, or go alone at times, to hunt,
Exhaust your prey on lengthy runs to wear it down.
Sometimes in gathered pack of ten or even more,
You hunt for prey to feed extended family—
A group that works together and shares equally—
After the Alpha pair, main hunters, had their fill.
You choose large prey of herbivores, but if they’re scarce,
Small animals like rabbits, squirrels, mice will do,
Along with all domestic prey on farms close by.
You mate for life, produce young pups, from four to six,
Most times in later Winter or in early Spring,
Within your dens, the young are whelped in two months plus—
Born helpless, blind, but are full grown within one year.
You indirectly helped to shape domestic dog—
Through common ancestors evolved the “man’s best friend,”
With many varied breeds that formed throughout the years,
The dog and man create relationships that bind.
Canis Lupus, gray wolf of forest and brushlands,
You stand with warrior command, head held up high,
With gifts of strength, endurance and great stamina,
You have endured and thrived eight-hundred thousand years.
© Sandra M. Haight 2015
All Rights Reserved
~2nd Place~
Contest: Canis Lupus – The Wolf
Sponsor: Shadow Hamilton
Judged: 04/12/2015
Iambic Hexameter
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