Howling

​The coyotes were howling last night
Singing songs in their own way
A chorus of uneven harmony
Bone chilling, some might say

I wondered what they were singing about
Celebration, mutual love, or fear
Staking out their territory
Announcing their presence to anything near

We have tendency to howl as well
Especially if threat is perceived
Making noise, commotion, disruption, a scene
Any way to be sure message is received

The thing about threats is we make them seem real
Even when they are no big thing
Overreacting to slights or perception of wrong
Quite zealous in our self righteous sting

In releasing some fear, controlling our view
We might just get better along
Less suffering we’d see in the world today
Share connection through verse, story and song

Of course there are wrongs, bad events that need help
Work together to make those things right
Living virtue through action, justice, fairness, respect
A compass to help keep us strong