You were painted, coyote
My dreams see you with
Red crimson over your nose
Between the eyes and ears
You were motionless, coyote
Out on the black, on the other side
Of a line I’ve pledged not to cross
Until my own time is known.
You were seeing me, coyote
But I could not help you
Your eyes wide, sparkling
Your painted head an open wound.
You were still in my arms, coyote
I found your body in my dreams
Gathered you from the highway
Planted flower seeds in your grave.

You were running, coyote.