This law was made for you,

red wolf. May you come through,

 

you and your ring of pups

up on their hind legs, pawing

 

a branch, dancing in the dust

like a dog-days dream circus

 

in the zoo built where Barnum

once wintered his tigers and bears.

 

I never thought wolves could be

so sleek and lean, so all ears,

 

streaked chestnut and sorrel

as if predators were formed

 

of the earth they walked upon.

Rusty red wolf, all iron

 

but so small. I can’t imagine

the fear that fed you strychnine.

 

Here children smile and clap

when they see your pups,

 

not knowing how easily

what’s present becomes past.