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The Eyes Of A Wolf

(Inspired by the findings that dogs have evolved some human facial expressions:

BBC NEWS

Researchers have found that dogs have evolved muscles around their eyes, which allow them to make expressions that particularly appeal to humans. A small facial muscle allows dog eyes to mimic an "infant-like" expression which prompts a "nurturing response".)

 

Strange, that we should have such an impact on the evolution of another that our paths begin to cross,

Strange, that one born of the woods with the wolf still intact should allow the soft submission of such loss,

And at the same time indulge another species so far removed from it's own with such a depth of love,

That our faces begin to divulge in pieces the expressions of each other because our kinship was not quite deep enough?

So many long millennia have passed since ape and wolf formed the depth of our spiritual bonds,

So many fierce deaths and fierce lives in the name of each other to affirm that at each others side is where we belong,

For in the eyes from one to another the true depth of understanding and devotion is expressed,

That my wolf and I can speak without words is a depth of connection that cannot be overstressed,

The countless years shared at the fire cementing our timeless, wordless, endless pact,

The countless centuries side by side fiercely fighting for this devotion to remain intact,

This deep and abiding spiritual contract, written in a language that cannot be heard,

Has no greater depth of expression, than that my wolf and I can speak without words.

◄ A Hairs Breadth

Kissing Frogs ►

Comments

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Don Matthews

Sat 21st Sep 2019 22:59

I am not a dog person, however my background in science makes this very interesting. I remember reading about it a while ago and being fascinated.

I must say you have a very 'poetical' way of expressing things Jason which I have always admired......

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M.C. Newberry

Sat 21st Sep 2019 18:06

Sure to appeal to any dog lover - and others besides! My family
had a Red Setter, followed consecutively by two Afghan Hounds.
And extended family now have their own assorted canine choices
to add to the richness of living - for that IS what dogs do!
Just a thought in passing on this theme - have you ever noticed how
folk can look like the dogs they own - and vice versa? Not unlike
the facial similarity noted that exists between married couples.

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Adam Rabinowitz

Sat 21st Sep 2019 16:25

That is a great story about your Association with Pyrs. I was glad to know it. Would also be glad of any of your thoughts on my poems.

A.

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Jason Bayliss

Sat 21st Sep 2019 13:15

Aha, my mother has bred Pyrenean Mountain Dogs for the last 50 years, at one time she had the UK's top show dog and top stud dog in the breed. In fact that's how I learned to walk, I'd grab one as they walked past and they'd patiently let me drag myself up off the floor until I was standing and then toddle off on my own. I fell asleep on them so many times that the smell of Pyrenean fur still makes me sleepy. Few people understand the difference between a guard dog and a guardian dog. They were definitely my guardians and deep friends. And I can honestly say as someone brought up my whole life with dogs, I'm no expert, but one thing I can do is communicate with the pack. Beautiful dogs.

J. x

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Adam Rabinowitz

Sat 21st Sep 2019 13:07

Really wonderful to read. I especially liked the last 4 lines with the end rhyme separated out. I have a young Great Pyrenees and an old Golden mix and their smiles and raising of eyebrows is always quite expressive of their adoration and desire for food or company.

Thanks for sharing

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