In The Wild

In The Wild

Yesterday
I went to the best beach
on the west side
of the island,
where foxes
are a common
and a wonderful sight.

I stood close
to them,
for foxes have
no predators here,
and thus
no fear
of a woman pointing
a lens,
or anything else
at them.
Last summer
a pup ate crackers
from my hand
by my driveway.

Just like us,
within the same species
they appear in all color
variations:
red, silver, black, and golden—
and probably other hues
I have yet
to discover.

The vibrant spring surroundings
cause everything
to pop
in the brilliant sunlight
of high latitude.
The sea crashes
immediately behind me,
and the meadow
rises up
to bluffs blown hard
and free of tall trees;
filled only
with wild flowers
and grace.

Alex Shapiro May 2008