Sing in the Dark

I learned to speak owl from
the best hooters and from
bears how to go big and disappear.
from the squirrel, how to forget
what I bury will feed me in
famine when I remember.
hold on, said the bobcat, there
is no waiting like my waiting
my eyes never blink. the moon
taught me; I can show you.
rabbit, the puckerbrush keeps
out the demons, thank you.
chickadee, I am coming back
for more. the fox has been
holding out for me to prove I’m
not a fool. tomorrow maybe
I’ll follow her paintbrush feet
in circles. trout, swim below the mirrors
I’m tired of my silly face floating
by like a dead leaf. osprey, dive.
I waited for dark with the crickets
in their old man suits, oiled my
fiddle, learned the basic lullabies.
someone must sing in the dark.
which brings me back to the owl.
and who are you?