The Hunger

a poem about an endangered species, the wolf.

The Pack moves slowly through the dead of night,
their silver fur glistening in the soft moonlight.
The Alpha’s howl echoes sad and forlorn as
another day passes and soon will be morn.

No rest for the weary they must eat before they sleep
but search an empty forest on tired legs and worn out feet.
When the She Wolf discovers her pups lagging behind,
she nudges them gently to keep them in line.

They struggle to keep moving, winter has set in, with

 hungry bellies rumbling, they are tired and weakening.
The Hunger is the reason they must strive to find a home.
It follows them constantly, no matter where they roam.

Their habitat is shrinking, they must fight to stay alive.
Food and shelter sparse, how will they survive?
Without protection from hunters who put up false resistance,
they, too, will disappear with little trace of their existence.

Reviews

[Cherrie Palmer]

You did such a excellent job showcasing the wolf and the world they live in and struggle to survive in.

[Dara]

Thank you Cherrie. It is very sad what is happening to them. They are to be admired for their will to survive and for the struggle. It is so nice to see you here. I do appreciate your words,

[Cherrie Palmer]

it was my pleasure

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and sooner or later we will become extinct...we survive now...but will we in future...
i see excellent allegory in this...
your poetry speaks volumes.
j.

[Dara]

You have given this poem new meaning and I am thrilled that you discovered allegories within. Thank you so much for your insightful review.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

Great piece that addresses so much... conservation is definitely something that we are failing at, and the species around us suffer the fallout. Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Dara]

This is so very sad but true. We must step up before it is too late. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my words. Your review means alot!

[Travis Gibson (poetic heroics)]

It was a pleasure.

[emmajoy]

Tis now seriously considered that one day, the natural world will sort out the beasts in the human world!. Meantime a wall could never be high enough to protect life on earth.

Lke it or not, the wolf represents freedom in many pasts. Its eyes are considered to be the supreme hunter's eyes.. but, to stare into them is one of the most incredible sensations ever and a supreme lesson in survival. Look and you will see. What's going on now is a continuation of what should be a natural line between extinction or - a natural balance of control.

Your poem is truly caring, inspiring, DAra, and so very finely written. So too are Einstein's comments and facts. Any discussion about those animals is a blessing that guns could wipe out in seconds

[Dara]

I so appreciate the thought and insight found in this wonderful review, Emma. The wolf has long time been one of my favorite wild animals, maybe because of my love for dogs but also like you said they represent a wild freedom of spirit. Also, like many species of animals their love and protection of family is so touching. Many thank yous for sharing your words. You and Einstein are both very sincere and thoughtful reviewers. It means the world to me to see your name pop up on anything I write. Poetry is best when shared with others. I look forward to reading much more of you as well. I do hope your New Year is off to a good start. Have a wonderful week ahead!

[emmajoy]

Thank YOU for your obvious regard for the All About Us, Dara. If only everyone would really think: why do we have animals, why do we have plants? Then ask, why does Man fight wars? Are we really wanting to prolong lives or are we intent in killing everything? Like the desert camel and the running wolf, creatures know far more than we understand.

[Einstein Noodle]

i love wolves ... i love how they live .. your poem covers a lot of their very social construct .. but i am a bit confused by your closing as wolves have made a huge comeback in the states ... are you objecting to their being taken off the endangered list in Idaho and Montana? ... at this point i believe all other states still have them endangered ... i wonder how hunters put up false resistance .. maybe another verse?? ;) V1 L4 perhaps consider changing "morning" to morn?? might make the rhyme stronger ??? very appropriate title says i ..it is their hunger that motivates them ;) and they are relentless hunters .. they can follow a herd for many miles wearing them down .. Nat Geo has some fantastic footage of a pack hunting buffalo in Yellowstone ... i love the wolf ... so enjoyed your poem about them .. you are raising awareness right here at the Cafe'
E.

[Dara]

Hello dear friend. I love wolves too and am encouraged with the progress that has been made to ward off their extinction but at the same time fear it is somewhat tenuous. What is happening at Yellowstone is simply beautiful and to see how the balance of nature improved when they were brought back in is simply amazing. What I was trying to say in the end and perhaps you are right about adding a verse is, unless it is heavily regulated hunters and ranchers who kill wolves to save livestock etc. could upset the balance once again. Thank you though, for bringing my attention to it. My poems tend to reflect more of an emotional/romantic response to things. Sometimes I need a facts checker to keep me straight ;-) So good to see you. Always always love to hear what you have to say!

[Einstein Noodle]

and your a gem Dara ..i do try to keep up with your "stuff" ;)

[Dara]

Lol yes and you do a great job. I am going to make an attempt to read more of others work this year also. So many wonderful poems so little time, sigh :-)

[Einstein Noodle]

true dat girl! ;)