coyotes

It was like a dream, 4 am, moonless, very dark. I woke to coyotes howling, high, long, loud, several at once, very near, a beautiful, eerie sound.

I know it was coyotes and not dogs because the dogs were standing at the window, SILENT and alert. Had it been dogs, they would have gladly answered in barks and howls, as usual.

The howling was soon over, maybe a minute's worth. I lay awake a long time listening. I heard no more, slept, woke with vivid memories.

The dogs kept very close to home all the next day. My two cats are keeping close. They're not crazy about the owl that's been around... Ah, I do love the boonies.