TWO MOOSE AT DAYBREAK

The day’s first light dimly began to brighten the early morning sky.

Low clouds on the horizon to the east would slow the sun’s early light.

There was a chill in the air; you could already make out the mist over the lake.

Dawn would be arriving soon, on this late autumn morning, but all was quiet.

Sipping our hot coffee, we were taking in nature the way it was meant to be.

There was a sudden rustling sound arising from across the lake,

Willows being trampled with haphazard and nearly brutal carelessness.

In the dim light a pair of bull moose appeared, likely they are twins.

One found his way to the shallow water; one took his breakfast from the willow.

The air was so calm that you could hear them breathe.  My wife lifted her camera.

There was a crashing in the water; the two bulls cracked antlers.  The camera clicked.

Over and over the two bulls play-fought.  The camera clicked again and again.

I sipped my coffee and watched the brothers as they tested themselves against each other.

Then, as suddenly as it began, it was over.  The quiet returned, just as the dawn lit the horizon.

And you knew it was going to be a good day.  We smiled at each other and sipped our coffees.

From our house to yours, we wish you the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year.

The Ulrichs