How I Won A Wolf Attack
The Call of the Badge
November 20, 2024
My Oak-Tree Friend
November 23, 2024How I Won A Wolf Attack
There were two I could see in front
Plus however many I heard behind
My Henry at the ready on my lap
Not fire-starin’, avoidin' night-blind
At midnight it was terrifying
Nearest help many miles away
Wolves wantin' a piece of me
Fearsome end to a bad day
Oh I was western savvy enough
Having grown up in the Big Bend
I could probably get two, maybe three
Before they brought me to my end
There wasn't much of a breeze
And the night was dark as a hole
A near-steady low growl was rumbling
Glowing eyes marching round on patrol
My bucksin nervously snorting
Stomping off to my left in fright
Wishing I hadn't hobbled him now
So he'd been freer in this fight
I'd never confronted wolves before
Should I start the ball on my own?
If I shot one in fear-driven rage
Would they back off, leavin' me alone?
Wishing Pa was here with me
He'd know what was best to do
But he was stove-up back in our cabin
Feverish, wonderin' if he'd pull through
I'd left for Lajitas while still light
To go and fetch Doc Clark
But that was still near ten miles
Over ground best not traveled when dark
They were closing in some now
Wishin' for a rock wall at my back
I'd have a much better chance
Of fending off a frontal-only attack
I decided to stop being passive
It wasn't my nature to cower
I'd shoot one in front of me
Then swing round the barrel with power
That wolf dropped dead where he'd stood
Killed by a rimfire forty-four
I had fifteen good shots left
So I levered in the chamber one more
That action seemed to stun them
Most of them backing away
But I had no victorious illusions
They weren't to be kept long at bay
The still air smelled strong of gunsmoke
Quiet now but for the ember snaps
As moisture was freed from firewood
Lifting in the air burning scraps
Wondered if they could smell my fear
Should I start shooting them all?
What if that prompted a charge?
That would be the wrong call
Suddenly they all hit hard
Knocking me to the dirt
Jostling, pushing and shaking me
Why didn't those bites hurt?
I was yelling and could hear my name
Was I already dead?
I got my eyes open
And saw my pa instead
"You're late for work Billy
Why are you yelling at me?
Get dressed I'll pack your lunch
Let’s not make a big shivaree"
Why are you yelling at me?
Get dressed I'll pack your lunch
Let’s not make a big shivaree"
"Give me a minute or two Pa
I’ve had me a bad nightmare
Geez it's good to have another day
Gonna say me a gratitude prayer"
I’ve had me a bad nightmare
Geez it's good to have another day
Gonna say me a gratitude prayer"
by Rik "Yonder" Goodell
© 2024 All rights reserved
This excellent, story-telling painting is by Mark McKenna. I am grateful for his permission to post his exceptional art here alongside my poem.
To see more of his work, go to his website:
"Deadly Duo", by Mark McKenna
