The Fox
As one, the fox and I were motionless.
Along the cool, sun-dappled path between
Tall-colonnaded trees – his tawny fur
Glistening with points of golden light, his dark
Eyes starred with bright intelligence; sharp-nosed
White-toothed, pink tongue a-loll, inquisitive,
Relaxed and confident – he grinned at me.
We stood there, calm and still, not twenty feet
Apart, as I returned a friendly smile,
Content to share this moment of détente:
Until my pair of dogs gambolled in view
And, at their coming, broke our mutual trust.
With one last glance, which signalled dignified reproach,
My fox faded into the unkempt undergrowth.
