For Wolf, 1993-2010

(Photograph copyright 2010 by Dan Routh)

For Wolf

Looking through his eyes was like
Staring into wilderness
Something agelessly unknown
Yet alluring to the soul.
Born with irises like snow
Swirled with arctic glaciers
He was mixed with malamute,
Husky, and a quarter Wolf.
Far from frigid northern lands
Shady pine groves proved to be
Perfect hunting grounds where he,
Faster than I, could catch me.
Evening brought him to the door
At our den. He’d lick the glass,
Beg and yelp at us until,
Laughing and smiling, we’d
Open up to give him treats.
Time would turn his icy eyes
Ocher like a darkened clay.
Though he couldn't run with me
He’d nip at me and still he’d play.

(Poetry copyright 2010 by Devin Routh. Used with permission.)