– for Beth on her 37th

the point of it was never the easy way
our collies ranged ahead of us
on the familiar road closely pressed
by poplar, fir, spruce, beech, ash, hard maple
and white birch curls slowly unwinding
but rather that the owl flew
in graceful S curves ahead of us
nearly suspended in this crepuscular hour
of appetite and patient observation
security unsettled by the panting dogs
swift unseen swooping claws fading sun
dying and thrilled hearts all in one
sweet surrender and grateful acceptance
beneath the rising planets and brightening moon

©John Greenleaf-Maple 11/29/16