7:00 a.m.
SLIM ODDS
Sometimes instinct is not enough
to find the weak and wobbly way
along her belly—her first calf
born too small licks her brisket
as she gently lifts each leg
around it with toe dancing grace.
A dramatic ballet at dusk, then
into the headlights as you coach
and urge them both under your breath
beside me. Silently I cheer
life’s perseverance, her murmuring,
her nosing and licking—these best
chance moments for slim odds,
a catharsis to a tragic dance
that will have to wait ‘til morning.
drycrikjournal 