We stared at each other across the grassy wetlands. A gentleman passed behind me on the way into the wetlands area but the coyote’s eyes stayed on me. A woman in a bright yellow vest passed in front of me at a brisk pace. She didn’t look to see why I was stopped and staring. The coyote’s eyes didn’t waver, neither did mine. “Do coyotes attack?” I wondered. “I probably shouldn't run in case that attracts its attention even more." It felt like we stood that way a long time. Two beings looking at each other, wondering and thinking. I slowly backed up, back towards the entrance to the trail but kept watching him. The trail was quiet now and he unlocked his eyes, flicked his tail and walked away. I scurried home.
Once home, I did what I always do when I come across an interesting part of the natural world. I looked for hidden meaning...on google. The first heading that came up when I searched 'coyote symbolism' said:
“For the most part, the coyote symbolism is reminding you to laugh at yourself. In
other words, things have been entirely too serious of late. Therefore you simply need
to let loose and get on with it.”
Haha, I love this as an ending to my spring break of college visits and big decisions. Although the spirit animal posts went on to share more coyote wisdom, my takeaway is this: it’s time to get back to school and giggle with my students!
Great post. I love the tension around the stare down. A great way to end your break. have fun with your students this week!
ReplyDeleteThis made me smile. I can just picture all the questions going through your mind. I wonder if he was asking the same questions as you were.
ReplyDeleteThe title made me hope it would be about a real coyote, and it is! Your opening is great- as the brightly jacketed folks pass behind you without realizing the stare-down you are locked into. And nice “spirit animal’ ending. Aren’t coyotes tricksters?
ReplyDeleteHaha, yes, tricksters!
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