We surprise a small, skinny coyote
as the dogs and I appear from the wash
not far from where she’s also rising from a small ravine.
She sees us first
and tries to make a slow, low retreat
into the scrub oak and pine,
when I see her
and stop.
Holding tight to the leashes
I quietly greet the startled creature
who, instead of fleeing, pauses as well.
The dogs, now aware, wrench my arms,
but I hold on,
smiling silently at the brazen thing almost within reach,
yet standing so still.
And there, we all stare.
Hoping to suggest it best we all part,
I turn from our convergence
and the coyote agrees,
moving away, but in a similar direction.
She pauses for a final look between a gap in the growth,
as if to remember our constrained and quiet trio,
before her shabby, honey-colored hide
slinks over the next ridge
and disappears.
And the dogs and I,
ignoring my instinct to go home,
turn left instead.
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Author: Anne Celano Frohna
I have been writing for as long as I could hold a pencil in hand and would not feel complete without it.
And I actually made a meager living at it (and as an editor) for 25 years.
I worked for newspapers and magazines, in graphic arts and advertising, and wrote several local history books.
But I have also taught English in Japan, been a Nanny in Italy, worked in and for museums, was an Airbnb Superhost for four years, as well as an Etsy shop owner where I sold vintage items I found over the years of thrift and yard sales.
After moving to Arizona with my family in 2010, I completed a series of different writing projects, including two books of creative non-fiction:
Just West of the Midwest: a comedy
(Based on journals I kept during my two years as an English teacher in rural Japan.)
Within Close Range: short stories of an American Childhood
(Short stories and poems about growing up as the middle of five children in suburban Chicago.)
I've also written children's stories and continue to write short fiction, but have recently found my voice in poetry.
This blog, however, is where my greatest passion comes alive.
I am also a mother of two wonderful girls, Eva (23) and Sophia (21) and wife to one wonderful husband, Kurt.
View all posts by Anne Celano Frohna
Dog-eared Stories 
Your writing always takes me away, Annie! Your love of nature and animals always shines through and your descriptions always make me feel like I am right there with you. I love that! And I love you!!!
Thanks, Jeannie! XXXOOO