The Odd Pair

It is the Fox and the Hound that

Everyone looks at.

They shake their heads

And click their tongues and say,

“Young fools, young fools.”

But the two are entirely happy.

They float around on games of tag.

Quails fly away with their troubles.

As long as the woods can hide

Their behavior,

Then playful paws and

Worriless hearts are fine.

But the sun goes down and

The owner calls dismay.

Hound listens and frets.

What will he think?

Gosh, he won’t like it.

Tod, run away! You’ll get shot!

“Shh,” the fox whispers

And laughs at the dog.

Hound smiles and leads the way home.

Some friendships start

Knowing that an end will come.

But not because of agreement.

No, in their hearts both know

That the canopy of leaves

That protects them

Will be violently torn apart.

Yes, they know that from the start.

But they will never admit it while together.