CHANGES IN NATURE
I watched her grow for three seasons,
munching away mostly in safe areas–
Occasionally I had to run her out.
When winter set in I saw her hunkering down.
If I gave her space, there she’d sit stoically–
Braving cold, in her heavy-lined coat, and fine-twitching nose.
But move a step to close, off she’d scamper,
away from our familiar universe
as if distressed by the sudden change.
I haven’t seen her for sometime now–
Although the weathers changing–trying to warm–plants emerging,
nature’s balance seems slightly off kilter.
I wonder if she’s out there–
Does she notice this unnatural swing in nature?
Will she adapt to it and continue, or will she flounder?
I wonder about our hectic pace of life…
Are our kinetic engagements having an ill affect on the animals around us?
Can they sense this unnatural urgency we have filled our lives with?
© 2018 Michelle Kogan
Poem prompt from Cynthia Grady via Renée LaTulippe’s blog No Water River.
Michelle Kogan Illustration, Painting, & Writing 
Oh, I loved your description about the rabbit, but those musings at the end. Can they sense our hurry? I just read a piece about children feeling the stress from their parents, so why not nearby animals.
Hi Linda, the prompt was to combine an interaction with an animal–not a pet–also bring in a change that you are dealing with in your life. A challenging prompt–I do get a bit dark at the end, but maybe we ought to take some cues from our animal friends. I definitely relate to kids feeling that extra stress.
I’ve been gone much of the day, may not get to today’s prompt. Thanks for telling me. I like your response!