it was curled up
on the shore

of the lake
all rock rust

and stone still
all charcoal eyed

and summer silence
its tail

a feathered stir
of brushfire

and soft gray ash
wrapped

its body
part pillow

part blanket
it did

not move
as i made

my way closer
but our eyes

locked
and we both agreed

that there was
no need

for anyone
to get too excited