Giving Animals Respect in Their Habitat

His black shadow that was against the sky

Caused me to stop right there in my tracks.

He looked frail, yet I knew I should fear him,

So I turned aound and found my way back.

Sequestered in a house in the forest,

I knew that this was his home, not mine.

So, I approached the bridge very quietly,

Saddened by his trial, for they were in decline.

He had a right to be afraid of us Two-legs

Who took more of his habitat each day.

But, on this night, in the beauty around us,

I didn’t do anything to impede his way.

I gave him the respect that he was due,

Recognizing that I was visiting, not him.

Tears came to my eyes as I walked away,

Because his chances of surviving are grim.

Written for the Photo Challenge #412 from Mindlovemisery Menagerie. Fandango prompt is Sequestered. Ragtag prompt is Bridge. The Daily Spur prompt is Approach. Three Things Challenge #956 prompts from Pensitivity 101 are Trial, Frail, and Black.