The Deceiving Moon

A midnight cloud hides her silhouette. Edged in iridescent light, she threatens to flood the starless sky.

Alone, you stroll into the night. Where the late harvest moon ought be. Her shadow’s settle, among the leafless elm, enough light lingers to hunt. Little remains to hide.

A breath caught, a heart shivers as a lone wolf howls from afar. The open plateau’s brittle grasses bend, snapping beneath your stride.

A gust pushes down the mountain, where warm air is replaced for night winds. Her masked face will not be unveiled.

A near wolf drones in reply.

A twinkle burns through the quilted stratum, where her face should be.

A step taken among shadows of the meadow, the bending branches twitch and shiver, waiting for her to comfort. The wolves sing their duet still nearer.

A wind blows cold against bare flesh; a heavy mask lingers impenetrable to the heavy cloak of night, by even the deceiving moon.

Locking the coons from the coop, the chickens are safe tonight. You race back to the warmth of your bed happy to have remembered the hens.