We meet like this

I am a prey creature;
feeling panic indoors,
loud people are lit up warm 
reciting script everyone knows -
I don't want to talk.

Outside, the streetlights

are the same white as lightening -

they reveal those trotting low

in the shadows 

as they cross under -

hello, stark scavenger.

Burnt orange, singed tips

we meet like this:

black night interval flash after the music.

The fox stops 

in his unasked for spotlight

as I am revealed 

on my side of the street.

He is curiosity, seeing me,

nose up and undeniably searching

with gold eyes

the soft side of wild;

all questions are silent,

so are the answers.

This time I am dauntless,

eager for conversation.

LJ Ireton, 2024.