FOX

I saw a fox today.

This, in itself, would not be remarkable only that I had never before seen a fox,
in the wild, that is.

It was early this morning, really early.

A fresh coating of crystalline snow had fallen overnight.

The sun was at that perfect angle... at that point in the sky where everything gleams.

It's yellow glow reflected off the new snow, lighting up the tree line like limelights.

I really don't like to use words like "bounding". It sounds so 18th Century.

But this fox, it's bright crimson red coat in sharp contrast to the almost transparent white snow, was bounding. There is no other word.

He couldn't have cared less that he was being watched.

The field was his to use as he saw fit.

He ran up one side, over to the middle, and down the other. 

He jumped, rolled, and scurried (another word from 'ago')
and I truly believe I saw him laughing as he played.

He took notice of me when I put the car in gear, making a groaning sound.

As I drove away, I saw him leave the field and disappear into the woods.

Perhaps he did care, after all.

I'm sorry that I interrupted his enjoyment. 

Embarrassed that I was caught in my voyeurism.

And ashamed that I enjoyed watching him so much.  Perhaps jealous.