The reindeer shift like smoke. They
trust the one with the bark, the were-
wolf of winter, soft in fur but born
of ice. With every howl, they learn to
move, to keep together, to listen. Herd
dogs don’t need reins—they breathe and
circle, circle, circle, then endure.
What else is loyalty, if not the
art of waiting and working through snow?
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Author:
Matthew R. Callies (
Offline) - Published: April 2nd, 2026 08:12
- Comment from author about the poem: This poem is about the Finnish Lapphund
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 7
- Users favorite of this poem: Tristan Robert Lange
- In collections: Man's Best Friend.
Offline)
Comments3
The dog looks eager for some fun, very nice.
Matthew, that image of the “were-wolf of winter” is what stays with me… it sets the tone immediately. Not quite beast, not quite guide… something in between. It gives the whole poem that uneasy, commanding presence. Beautifully done. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
A lovely tribute to the herding dog. Smart animals, too smart for most owners, needing lots of exercise they are a wonderful breed.
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