102. Like a fox

Under the bushes and under the trees
as I see orange fairies dancing and playing
I move towards them slowly and quietly
but two little foxes come smiling at me

The time is not right to meet patupaiarehe
to convene with the ancients like my old people did
Instead there are lessons still yet to learn
to be cunning and patient and even deceive

I must learn to be quiet, to watch and to see
yet laugh and act up when you look at me
Be clever and also learn to adapt
and be diplomatic with a flirt and a smile

I now learn to eat in moderate portions
grazing and snacking on all sorts of morsels
and I'm cognisant many are scared by a fox
but I guess that's a strength against potential foes....

11. In the shadow of a wolf

Two eyes peered back at me from the darkness of my mind
Sharp pointed ears appearing above them
a long nose and sneering mouth and sharp teeth in front

Fear wells up but I find the strength to say
"If you come for good you're welcome to stay
but if you come for bad, you must go away"
Passing the first test the Black Wolf disappears
and in it's a place the head of a majestic White Wolf
bows before me almost allowing me to touch him

The path to knowledge has many perils
it has many challenges which cannot be met
with a meek heart or by brute force
but with humility, compassion and true bravery

I am reminded to show appreciation for the reveal
and with that, a third one introduces himself
A Brown Wolf with eyes closed tight due to a smile
that brings reassurance and warmth to my heart and mind

Like a lamb I now walk in the
shadow of a great White Wolf
Wild animals now shy away from me
Spirits and demons fall behind me
His protection and safety now afford me
opportunities to run, jump, buck and experiment

But now and then I dread when I think
that he himself was once a lamb
who walked in the shadow of his own great Wolf