The Wolf - Part 3

...... Part 3 ......

The old wolf creeps, the old wolf leaps
on prey he’s been a’ trackin’ –
a deer adorned with branchin’ horns
is torn by beasts attackin’.
The morning quakes, a shadow shakes,
tined antlers left a’ lyin’,
and spattered spots and scarlet clots
repaint the point o’ dyin’.

A magpie flies with frightened eyes
(on ebon wings a’ wavin’),
spies wolfin’ jaws and sated maws
of wolves no longer cravin’.
The snowdrift clears, a cool wind veers,
a dying breath, moreover –
a wraith appears, with shaggy ears,
(one droopin’ down, hung over).
 
Dawn’s sunbeams crowd, ignite a cloud,
its threaded strands a’ weavin’.
The pack awakes and twists and shakes,
for soon it’s time for leavin’;
it’s bleak, it chills on shallow hills,
as she-wolfs come a’ nuzzlin’,
but north winds scold, the wolf lies cold,
the pack stands back a’ puzzlin’.

On crimson snows neath perchin’ crows,
the pack abides a’ guardin’;
while nights are tight with Harpy kites,
the she-wolves wait an’ harden,
until a groanin’ blizzard stones
the barren forest stowin’
his shaggy ears beneath the weirs,
with icy hails ’a blowin’.

The storm abates and terminates,
the glacial wind’s subsidin’;
the past is past or passin’ fast
and life goes on abidin’.
The herds, today, roam far away,
not thinkin’ of the dyin’;
the pack’ll stray from day to day,
’a stalkin’ hard and tryin’.

As spring sneaks forth upon the north,
they’re lean without their leader.
A she-wolf (bound with belly round)
strains neath a budding cedar.
Upon the morn a whelp is born
 (the future forest drover)
in new frontiers, with shaggy ears
(one droopin’ down, hung over).

......End......
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

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August 21, 2012 at 1:21 PM
A captivating tale, Terry! I kept thinking of which poet these verses remind me of. You realize Terry, that very few can follow through with this type of verse, hold onto the pace, and end it so perfectly. Yours is impecable! :) This reminds me of Robert William Service's, "The Cremation Of Sam McGee". His, as your's, are now both favorites of mine! Magnificient write!! Best wishes, Mikki
Wesley Avatar
August 18, 2012 at 3:44 PM
Whatan amazing work Terry, your rhyme is amazing and the story is enthralling. You give amazing verse in every one you write!
Dietrich Avatar
August 18, 2012 at 12:02 PM
A cute ending on that wolf story to predict the next leader! What a tale in this three part piece, Terry. I can tell you put a lot of work into it. WAs it for that one wolf contest? I liked the descriptions in this one a lot!
Horsman Avatar
August 14, 2012 at 5:26 AM
Wonderful story here, wow, takes one's breath away, hope this is for the wolf contest,
Horne Avatar
August 13, 2012 at 2:26 PM
wow, awesome work, my friend - loved parts 1, 2 and 3
Spase Avatar
August 11, 2012 at 6:06 AM
i was wondering if u livin in the wild as a hunter as this piece is a nice story and so life like. i liked the dog lookin a puzzlin, it made me laugh
St.Cross Avatar
August 10, 2012 at 4:58 PM
... ‡ Again, Precious Priceless Terry, I Love All Of Life & Creation. Understanding That For Reasons Beyound Ourselves This Is The Way It Must Be For Now ˜ I Truly Enjoyed Your Wonderful Exceptional Profound I Might Say, Loving Verse ˜ Very Glad To Have Been Blessed To Read Its Captivating Reflection In Re Life & Death ... My Luv, Rachel ‡
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