bison rumble

 

oh, their bravado
instinctual…now…
their purple tongues flick
catching cow must…
the older and younger bull
paw one ton challenges
as their white eye craze
infects the herd
warning distance…
let the play out start

then the muscle set
sharp horns shake
rake air then shoulders
broad heads batter low
hips twist…twist…
hooves stab leverage
to center gravity
gain advantage
on the line

they heave acrid breath
and deep wet rumble growls
strength butted… joined
forehead to forehead
for the final roundings
and earth poundings
and the edge of giving
and more giving
and it is over

abrupt…
one canters to prairie hills
one to waiting cows
it was all in the lasting
death was unnecessary

Bonnie Marshall

 

Art by Debbie Doble