wolf

they watched the wolf pant through its canine smile
while the vagabond rubbed its shaggy pile
slightly yellowed from the dirt of play
circling the ground in hunting ballet
the sun’s rays falling upon their knavery
no longer did others jeer in the street
they no longer held the required bravery
near animal fealty with self-sharpened teeth
he rested in shade as he buckled his greaves
today the town’s swords remain in their sheaths