Don't Call My Bluff

I came face to face with the coyote this morning. I heard an agitated squirrel on my roof and had a feeling if I went outside I’d see the coyote. Sure enough I walked onto my deck and saw him hiding behind a tree. I could just see his hind legs and his tail. He was standing motionless waiting for me to leave. I decided to wait him out to see what he’d do. Eventfully, he turned around. I’m not sure if he thought I had gone, or if he was tired of hiding behind a tree. When he turned around I was looking right at him. We looked each other in the eyes. He looked at me as if I caught him with his pants down. He was sizing me up. Friend or foe. I turned away first not wanting to be confrontational. When I looked away he ran off.


            I’m sympathetic to the coyote. He’s just trying to make a living. I heard him last night as well. I was reading Moby Dick, not my favorite book so far, Melville’s all over the place, is he a scholar or a whaler? I wish he’d just tell the story. Anyhow, I’ve discovered that the coyote likes to plow through the trees into my yard. I heard him plow through the trees last night. I could hear his paws on my wood deck. I yelled out, “Coyote!” He didn’t answer. I want him to know that I’m onto him, that was my message to him again today, I’m onto you. I just hope he doesn’t call my bluff.