Howl in the Night

Holder of precious memories, souvenir of my first long-haul trip
to a land coated in white - home to Canis Lupus.

Grey as the animal you were modelled to look like
Although slightly less fluffy nowadays
as you’ve gone through the wash a few times.

Once a little eight-year-old,
Kicking at the snow as we walked through the lamp-lit paths,
Window displays flashing on either side until one caught my eye.

A little cluttered and unassuming at first glance
But to a child’s sharp eyes, exciting and engaging.

Who else would notice it huddled there in the corner?
Just me, the perfect height
to be captured by a glance

The wolfish hat - begging and begging “Just one little look
But feeling it with my own fingers, ensnared, I just had to have it.

My fondness for you has grown with me,
Swaddling my head on cold mornings, reminder of the night I found you
in that small alpine village of cosy cottages on cobblestone lanes.