Red Fox in Winter by Joan Currie

In winter’s embrace, a lonely man found cheer,
A red fox came, a friend so dear.

Exquisite fur, eyes of blue-green grace,
Shared scraps, forming a bond in that quiet space.

Yet, in reaching out, a truth unfolds,
Wild and untamed, as nature holds.

Teeth bared, a lesson swiftly learned,
A cunning companion, loyalty unearned.

I found it difficult to teach my children to be wary of wild animals when so many children’s books, cartoons, and movies – especially Disney movies, portrayed them as cute and cuddly creatures.