Before the Bark, the Howl

Matthew R. Callies

Before the bark, the howl lit up the night,

A shadow moving swift through frost and flame,

The forest rang with songs of primal might.

 

No leash, no name, no hearth to hold him tight—

Just stars above and hunger’s endless game,

Before the bark, the howl lit up the night.

 

His eyes, twin lanterns carved of amber light,

Knew secrets buried deep in nature’s frame;

The forest rang with songs of primal might.

 

By moon and blood, he learned to stalk and fight,

To lead the pack and earn his whispered fame.

Before the bark, the howl lit up the night.

 

Then came the fire, the scent of meat, the rite

Of trust exchanged for shelter, warm and tame.

The forest rang with songs of primal might—

 

Yet still he dreams of snowfields crisp and white,

Of ancient kin who never played the game.

Before the bark, the howl lit up the night.

The forest rang with songs of primal might.

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Comments +

Comments3

  • sorenbarrett

    Being slow, it took me a few lines to put this together. So nicely constructed and framed it tells the history and evolution of generations of man's best friend from wild to today. Loved it a fave

  • Doggerel Dave

    Villanelle form suits the wolf's existence perfectly - cyclic the way survival enforces, then the bargain with man.
    Found this work (and work it would have been!) satisfying.
    Great picture you posted there as a bonus.

  • Tristan Robert Lange

    Matthew, this has a strong mythic feel to it… the movement from wild wolf to domesticated dog carries a quiet sense of memory and loss. The repeating lines give it a haunting, almost chant-like rhythm. Btw, wolves are one of my fave animals. Well done, my friend.🌹🖤🙏🕯️



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