FOX RUN

Foxes  ran  on  the  hill  last  night

The  plovers  shrieked  alarm,

A  sheepdog  barked  a  challenge

From  the  gates  of  a  nearby  farm.

Shadows  rippled  across  the  grass

And  danced  with  the  evening  sky,

Shivering  down  on  the  sighing  wind

Drifted  the  vixen's  cry.  

The  old  ram  stamped  a  defiant  foot -

Lowered  his  massive  head,

Flickering  fires  teased  his  outraged  glare,

Flirted - and  swiftly  fled.

Foxes  ran  on  the  hill  last  night

Red  flanks  flung  crystal  flame,

Showered  dew  on  their  joyous  flight -

Were  gone  when  the  morning  came.