Saskatchewan Thickets

Her freckles like seeds on a slice of rye,

we tunnel under the city towards timberland,

the pines a parade of convulsive caterpillars,

hares trampling through dollops of sludge.

6:15 but the Banquet began at six

"Welcome Fellow Elks 2013"

a parade of SUVs, pick ups, minivans,

we send squirrels scattering for sycamores.

A rattlesnake nestles in the darkness,

coiled like the fist of a prizefighter

gazing into the glare of our headlights

unwelcome invaders rumbling thorough.

"Look at them scurry into the trees" she says

living, breathing, watching, existing

the ancient giants around us

I wonder if we've disturbed them?