‘twas filthy in the murkish mire

Besieged by densely misted ridge

Whilst scourging dirt for sense or scent

To aid this nightly pilgrimage

I turn my ear ‘longside the wind

Should slightest sound direct my quest

‘tis mine to hunt and so provide

The weaklings with a wholesome guest

As seasons change cut through the night

My grip did slide, my footfall lurch

And haunting hoot of nightfall’s bird

Came drifting from its lofty perch

My coat now drenched and marrow chill

Whilst bitter bite of lunar’s glass

Renders hedgerows hushed and turns

The fog to frost and crisps the grass

Trail gone cold and tracks that fade

For frosted earth will not betray

Cruel jack, lacing sodden land

Excels in shielding shadowed prey

At last, the merest twitch of fur

‘neath glittering web of rambling roots

Softly, step beneath the breeze

And pounce ‘fore intuit refutes

With lightning strike the blow is dealt

And snatched, the bounty from its lair

Discern the path that heads me home

To feed the famished this nights fare.