Brisk air chilled his bone
rising sun called him home.
Frozen earth crunched beneath feet
his chest grew tight accepting defeat.

Lone stranger wanting acceptance
tail between legs recognizing deception.
Howls filled the meadow
snarls directed at the young fellow.

Coward runs from menacing yips
avoiding jaws at heels that nip.
Mist rises from the water
following him as he wanders.