An old timber wolf lies before his pack,
Weakened and dying.
His mate sits above him, licking his wounds,
Caring for her fallen lover.

A young wolf comes forward slowly but deliberately,
Moving up, next to his leader.
He looks down with apologetic eyes and whispers goodbye,
Coming closer still.

The young wolf puts his paw on his leader,
Forcing out his last breath.
As the old wolf dies, the young wolf walks forward,
Facing the pack.

He is the new leader, for the time being,
until he is replaced.
His son will claim his last breath, and take his place,
Just as he had done this day.

4-22-08