A dull light,
suffuses the dark grey clouds,
the light of day
reduced
to a pitiful veil.
Rain is falling,
the cold rain
of an early winter,
an ill omen,
portending a hard year
to come.
We had an idea
this was coming.
The elder cousins
had watched the flocks
fly South early,
sitting for only short periods
to eat the grain
in the field.
More predators this year, too.
Grizzly bear,
and wolves
and cougar.
We brought the herds in early
from the farther pastures,
as the coyotes
were getting brave,
and going at the calves.
There’re whispers
going around town.
Worried looks
and hushed voices.
Everyone has seen
the government men
in their back suits
and mirrored sunglasses.
Meeting with the mayor
and the sheriff,
if the rumors are true.
It doesn’t feel
like the Russians
back in the 80’s.
This ominous threat
feels immediate
and harrowing.
My better nature
tells me not to worry,
to trust in our people
and have Faith,
but we’ve still stocked
our pantry.
The freezers are full
of venison and beef.
A few of the neighbors
have been asking me
to teach them how to use
a firearm.
So, I show them
enough to be safe,
but you can’t teach
nerves and patience.
I pity the people
in the cities.
We’ll be good for a while here
if things really go south,
but those poor people,
they’ll feel it right away.
I think I’ll take a ride today,
out under this heavy sky,
up to the North ridge
and check for signs of coyotes.
It’ll be good
to take in the cool air
and enjoy the freedom
that we fought for,
and pray
that winter holds off
a while longer.
HG – 2021
