5/04/2016

Arroyo Serenade


Our hostess’ little ranch house is surrounded by cactus and the occasional Palo Verde tree. It sits in a fold of parched earth at the edge of an arroyo several miles north of Phoenix. During the monsoon season each June, the arroyo churns with racing waters. But this time of year, it’s dry, serving as a convenient highway for the critters who call the desert home. As we sit around the table on the lantern-lit covered patio at the rear of the house, the desert beyond crashes the party like a noisy dinner guest.
The first tentative note comes from a distance down the arroyo, but is soon answered by another, much closer. Our hostess has just told us that we might be visited by the local javelinas, a wild pig-like animal that frequents the area. Though nearly blind, she says with a laugh, javelinas can smell a grilling sirloin a mile away. But this is no javelina. With each passing minute, another voice is added to the chorus, surrounding us with song. Like a traveling minstrel show, the troop passes through, their music echoing over the desert. I am enchanted.

                       coyote crooners
                       their howls a song of longing
                       filling the darkness

***

Written for dVerse Poet's Pub.

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13 comments:

  1. What a night serenade it turned out to be ~ Love the their howls a song of longing
    filling the darkness~

    Enjoyed your haibun Patti ~

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    1. Thank you, Grace. It was a thrilling experience.

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  2. What a magical moment that would be! I had a great visual from the javelina getting a whiff of the steak. Enjoyed your poem very much.

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    1. Thank you, Mish. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was indeed a magical moment.

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  3. Beautiful! When we first moved into our home, we heard a family of coyotes at least once a week, in the spring. Now it's more like once a year, as the area becomes more populated. Their sound is like no other. And I LOVE your title.

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    1. It's sad when the wild things lose their habitats. You're right, the call of the coyote is haunting, isn't it? I'm glad you liked the serenade of the arroyo. 😊

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  4. What a wonderful opportunity... when I lived in the US I never heard the coyote, but we saw one far away... but at dwelling in an arroyo like that sounds diving.

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    1. It was indeed. Hearing so many all at once was haunting.

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  5. like a traveling minstrel show......I very much enjoyed this haibun. I was right there, straining my ears to listen.

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    1. Thank you! I wish I had thought to record it. I'd play it for you.

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  6. Gayle Walters RoseMay 5, 2016 at 1:23 PM

    I would have been frightened if wild pigs had invaded the party but I love the idea of listening to the coyote howling as they moved through the area. Lovely, Patti.

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    1. Thank you, Gayle. I actually would have enjoyed a visit from the javelinas, foolishly perhaps. I'd have hated to be mistaken for a juicy sirloin.

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  7. their howls a song of longing
    filling the darkness

    It can be a haunting experience in the dark to be hearing their long drawn howlings

    Hank

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Thoughts? I would love to hear from you.