Saving a King

Gentle Eyes

I’m overjoyed with how this day is going. I even decided on a small picnic outside! My thin red cover underneath me as I sit in the backyard. A turkey sandwich and some juice, the simple things.

As I recline onto my back, my arms behind my head, the sun kisses my cheeks. I can hear the birds still out and about, busy in their days. The little bees buzz around each flower softly. I really did miss this.

I know I can’t stay out here too long, I have a habit of falling asleep when at peace. I will enjoy this for as long as I can today, and each day to follow. I’ve made myself a promise to never lock myself away again.

Suddenly, I’m startled out of my trance by a sharp, high pitched yelp. I stand quickly, only to freeze, are they back? Deep breaths. I take my long, slow, deep breaths and listen intently for any further sounds. I hear nothing at first. Then, I begin to hear a soft whimper in the distance.

As the whimpering continues, I realize it must be a dog in distress! I’ve always loved dogs and would never leave one that is in pain. So very slowly, and after much debate, I finally decide, I must go help this animal. Not wanting to get caught in the dark though, I go inside and grab a backpack. I throw a flashlight, my first-aid kit, some waters and a plastic bowl for the dog to drink out of inside the pack.

I’m ready. I muster up all the courage I can possibly find inside myself, and walk towards the woods. As I reach the tree line, I quicken my pace towards the sound of the dog. I do not want to be in here long but, I will not leave this precious animal. The whimpering continues softly, easily allowing me to track it down.

I know I am close to it now. I can hear the creature rustling around a bit. I crouch down, just in case, and slip through the brush, until I see it. It is a massive black wolf. The animal is tall, its head would easily reach my beating heart. Frozen in place, I watch it. Why is it crying out? Then I see it, the trap embedded into its hind leg. I didn’t see the blood at first with how dark the wolfs fur is but, now I can see it clearly running into the dirt.

As the animal struggles harder to free itself, the trap digs its steel teeth further into its leg. I slowly approach the massive animal, weary to get too close. I don’t want to get bit by the distressed beast. Once I’m close, I stop again, arms length away. The dark beast turns its enormous head in my direction. Freezing on the spot, I only notice one thing, its eyes. Yellow as gold but, that’s not what holds me here, the gentleness I see dives straight into my soul.