Wolf Moon

Roberta Shellum Dohse

March 5, 2023

Starched white linens, fine crystal glasses,

Candles on tables, ice sculptures at buffets,

Glass elevators, fine wood paneling,

High, wide sprawling ceilings,

Old-world elegance on display.

The Waldorf Astoria, Plaza in New York,

Bertrams, the Benson, Sir Francis Drake, and more,

Windows, verandas, folks leaning against rails,

Magic in the heavens, 

Wolf moon rising, bright as day.

Here deep in the heart of Texas, 

We gaze so intently at that glowing orb 

From the decks of the Menger leaning, watching

Naked moon’s monthly dance,

Holding old-world tales far at bay.

We sip fancy cocktails, pull wraps close 

Against the chill and Wolf Moon rising

Up o’er the horizon, high above rising. 

Even city lights dim 

And old fears invade too soon.

We turn quickly, retreat back inside, 

To the safety of this fabricated home.

Close the curtains! Shut out the light that sears 

Our hearts, shut out the wolves 

Howling now ‘neath rising moon.

Roberta Shellum Dohse hails primarily from California. After living on a farm in northern Minnesota and in Oregon, she moved to Texas in 1980, attended law school, and has practiced law in Corpus Christi since 1997. Formerly a flight instructor and a college professor, she has always loved to write.