Poems (Hoffman)/The Coyote
THE COYOTE
Forth from his lonely haunt,Lean, evil-eyed and gaunt Stealthily stealingTo where on low chemiseHang tattered shreds of fleeceGuiding to where in peace The flocks are kneeling.
Crackling of underbrushBreaks on the forest's hush Some wanderer telling,Then on the startled earFar off and then more nearSounds forth distinct and clear A hideous yelling.
Haste little lambs and flee,Quick comes an enemy Reckless with hunger,Lean are his ugly jaws,Hollow his evil eyes,As from his den he goes Seeking for plunder.
Sheep running here and thereHelpless from sudden fear Warned of their danger,What has the calm flock seen?Close by the wild ravineWith fierce and threatening mien Stands a gaunt stranger.
Short is the cruel chase,Then from a sheltered place Strange sounds ensuingTell of a victim dead,Tell of a meal soon spread,Tell of a fate most dread Wily pursuing.
Hark! Now from far awayEchoes a low, deep bay From ridge to hollow,Ears pricked up at the sound,Then with a sudden boundClears he the gory ground; Hounds soon will follow.
Crackling of underbrush,Then, as before, a hush Deep and oppressiveSave for the frightened feetFar off in quick retreatAnd now and then a bleat Still apprehensive.
Soon on the ridge's heightHunters appear in sight, Hounds traveling fasterFind where the prey was slainDown in the wild ravine;Where has the culprit gone? No one can answer.
Hunters of high reputeBack from a vain pursuit Weary and baffled,Stealthy and cunning foeStill your sly ends pursue.Culprits more low than you Escape the scaffold.