Fox Eyes in the Night Sky

they aren't stars   they're bright pairs of eyes
looking back at you   packs of them
the fox ears and black noses hidden
in the night sky

but where are their paws?
is it one of them we're walking on
or do several   half-hid in water
move the planet?

when they see me
i wonder if they're indifferent
thinking i'm too small to eat

or if i'm somehow growing   as my ears enlarge with age
and my teeth lengthen
and they're waiting   for my ears to point
my teeth to grow longer and sharpen
the skin on my nose
to moisten and sensitize
and for me   to one morning awaken in darkness
look down   fascinated
and be part of the pack
part of their pack
part of a pack

from Purgatorial (2004)