Tale with a Fox
We met at dawn
on the well-walked stretch of woods
between my home and the village
I was on my usual path
and drowsy with footsteps upon the stillness
when I sensed another soul behind me
a fox
in the half-haze of a hunt
following my trail
her whiskers brushed my boots
and she looked up
without concern
she jumped into my arms
turned a nest and wrapped herself asleep
while the grey above lay it’s winter love
I held her with the purring
how long were we together
time enough for the snow to cover her fur and my cap
I brushed off the snow
and kissed her between the ears
she opened her eyes
and considered me, as if remembering me
with a yawn this sleepy fox spoke
“it is so nice to see you again James”
then she smiled
jumped down
and went away into the trees
I was bewildered
though chose to believe
that I’d done something to favor such a visit
and I reason that you have as well
and why I tell you this tale with a fox
she was an honest comfort to me
and why should I keep that from you