Of Wolf and Men

Concealed awaiting prepared for prey Stalking me in frosted undergrowth Camouflaged mire spread all around His baying battle cry seeps and saturates My blood fermenting anticipated challenge Of his judging eyes still and steady Blades of winter winds surgically slash My hands holding aim fast and true The percussive flash bursts Concentration lost in fleeing stains About the cracking prints on ground cover My ears blocking out primordial howling A warning and cry I set off pursuing Behind the sounds of labored steps Forward heaving within dark tunnels Closing about the range of sight Hindered by the steaming breath Echoing in ears off tree and outcroppings Thrown in pathways confusing game Of quarry between wolf and men.