Fox Midstream

An hour or so ago tonight
walking up long driveway
through the woods
I shine light leftward
into narrow clearing
only five yards away
a fox is frozen in place
front paw in midstep
and holding eye contact with me
for three to four seconds
searching me for intent
wary but confident
in its speed and agility
each of us cooperative
the fox stealthy
and each grateful
for our own reasons.

Larry Piltz
Indian Cove
Austin, Texas
December 9, 2015

[Photo is stock]