"FoxAnn"

Running through the forest with her sibling,
Doing her best to capture tiny prey.
Old enough to leave the den, FoxAnn was free to roam,
Exploring nature's habitat, through trees, then fields of hay.

The young Red Fox delighted in discoveries of her world,
Chasing field mice late into the day.
She caught the scent of something unfamiliar,
FoxAnn could hear the Bloodhounds mournful bay.

Her large green eyes looked frantic, long nose pointed in the air,
Her instincts told her, danger's drawing near.
FoxAnn ran frightened, darting through the field of golden hay,
Confused by the overwhelming smell of fear.

Her silken auburn coat, collecting foxtails, burrs and brush,
The earth thundered, horses gaining in their speed,
Horns and howls filled large red ears, overflowing sounds of panic,
Dashing to her safety... hence, the hounds had FoxAnn tree'd.

Captured, caged, transported, to a strange and frightening place,
Pacing madly, back and forth, throughout the night,
Bloody gums from biting wire, failed attempts to freedom,
Exhausted now, FoxAnn gave up the fight.

FoxAnn dozed in the summer sun, shinning in her cage,
Her long red bushy tail escaped confines.
A gentle voice began to speak; the smell of food was near,
Her hunger overcame her fear... in time.

The name Charlene, became a sound, FoxAnn remembered well,
Plantation Master's daughter, young in age.
Paid visits to FoxAnn and fed her lamb and veal and ham,
Too young and innocent to be afraid.

The Foxhunt was approaching; FoxAnn could hear the hounds,
Nervous with anticipation for the game.
Memories of that first chase, still fresh in FoxAnn's mind.
Familiar garb approaches, snatching up her wire domain,

Throw her in a sack, he says; blow the horn for all to gather,
'No my friends, they'll be no hunt today",
My child has made a friend of this small animal we caught,
It would break her heart, if we take the fox away.

Over time FoxAnn became, the mansion's household pet,
Free to come and go into the wild.
Completely dedicated to the one who saved her life,
Charlene, the rich Plantation Master's child.

COPYRIGHT©2003 BONNIE TORRENTE