The hare and the oak
for Annie

Beneath the solitary
lightning-gashed
oak
you rise from animal form
like one of the faerie folk
caught out at dawn
shimmering between fabled worlds
running secrets for a secret Queen

I stop
in my tracks
inhale all movement
and watch you
watching me
with all your senses nervously
triangulating
substance, distance, threat

Just one step
one blink
might dash
this breathless meadow spell