Once a wolf-cub-born-blind

was taught by his kind

the chase of the pack.

All assumed he could see as they

as clumsily he strove to catch the prey

not knowing even himself inside

what was absent through his eyes. 

 

The leader lamented his lack of kill

and angrily howled at him until

the valley filled with the young cub’s tears,

not understanding what had brought such sneers. 

 

Then one night the wolf-cub-born-blind

heard a lion approaching behind,

steps far distant as the others slept.

He quickly dried the tears he’d wept

and howled a warning to wake the pack.

He save them all

by what they lacked.