The Howling - Dec. 22, 2022

the coyotes howl

each a different rhythm

pitch and volume

and together

one painful wail

the need so deep

it doesn’t stop

at the edge of darkness

but enters the shadow

of my own poverty

mine a lifelong desperation

of what’s and why’s

except in whimpers and whines

domesticated as I am

polite as I’m trained to be

in a continuation of hope that

whatever is out there has ears

and a voice I’ve still

yet to hear