Poem for Early Spring

Coyote Moon Howl

Here in late April
Under a full moon, my secret neighbors the coyotes howl
From the Chardon woods and fields—

I head up to bed and hear the great chorus--
Spring Peepers singing their arias of love.

And then early in the morning,
Cardinals call and call and call
Their sweet song, luring, seductive.

Are they celebrating early spring?
Are they crying from loneliness?
Are they calling to a mate?
Are they aching for love?

I understand the plaintive calls—indeed
I call myself at midnight under the tide
Of the early spring moon!

Bob Coughlin
April 29, 2010