He came to me as a cardinal bright red

staring from a safe perch of a fading brown bush

my muddy yellow cat

three days

and three nights gone

My heart feels heavy as I walk slowly through the woods

hoping to find a trace

some semblance

some sign

even as I understand he has gone

The coyote left his scat

along the winding drive

where often we walked

and I would wait

while he rubbed the legs of my jeans

In the dark nights

of this north country

the distance to the barn

and safety

must have seemed insurmountable

The dog somehow knows

we are searching

for they were reluctant companions

vying for my attention like siblings

family

These beautiful hills

can be hard

unforgiving

The muddy cat killed

his share of creatures

blue jay feathers might appear scattered about

a fledgling bunny or chipmunk

partially eaten

carried boldly in his jaws

I fight the urge to oil up my rifle

though if the coyote

showed his coat in daylight

I would surely

put an end to him

A well-lived life of a country cat

not nearly simple

not like in the city

spoiled in a warm home with

a litter box and toys to chase

He came as a cardinal

to say goodbye

my heart is heavy as I walk through the woods