On Guard

The sun protects my back
as I step into the morning
anxious for its promise.
Last night I saw blood
on the moon and howled
myself to sleep. Even in
daylight I stay alert for
any danger lurking in the
thickets of night’s warning.
I sniff the wind, knowing a
keen nose scents the quarry.
If I could find my fear
I would jump on its back
and tear out its throat
to keep another moon from
casting portents for the body
that claims my shadow