The Wounded Coyote

One evening, I saw a coyote on my walk around the neighborhood. At first, it was just standing, gazing calmly at me and my dog Bernie across a wide stretch of lawn. Once it started walking, I noticed that one of its back legs wasn’t working properly. The leg was hanging limply, causing slow movement.

My heart went out to it. A part of me hurts whenever I see a wounded wild animal. I want to help, to somehow ease its pain. Or is it easing the pain of seeing an injured animal that I am seeking?

But this coyote did not need my help, it was moving along at a steady, tho slow, pace, even with the limp. The coyote arrived as a poignant reminder that sometimes witnessing and feeling the pain, is what’s necessary.

“Don’t turn away. Keep your gaze on the bandaged place. That’s where the light enters you.” ~Rumi

And as I returned to my house, just across the street, three does stood grazing in the grass; calm and gentle. Welcoming me back home.