Across the birth and death of day
Clouds scatter wide to colour the sky.
But they can't paint the stars with lights;
The dance of my tail throughout the night.

When the hunt is sparse and swift
And strength can play no part within..
Who else can dodge the scent and sight
And sleep well fed for cunning, not might?

Dance and sing and know the earth
Hollows, dens, and hiding coat,
Dance and spin and know the water
Cleansing, running, cooling throat,
Dance and leap and know the fire
Might, strength, and warning growl,
Dance and run and know the wind
Speed, and scent, and laughing howl.

"Heathen fox" and "unseen guard" am I;
For clever heart and mischief wild,
And gentle touch and watching child.
..but few do know the truth of why.