Instructions for Full Moon Nights (Poem)

Step one is the rending of flesh.
Not the flesh of others, but one's own.
For a wolf to be born, the wer or wyf must die
at least for a time.

Fur breaks through skin
like a chick's beak through eggshell
or a moth from its cocoon

Step two is the stretching out.
Old limbs made new extend, turn, flex,
forelimbs touch soil.

A breath of thanks wisps out
from an elongated snout,
then the muzzle tilts up to scent the air.

Step three is movement.
If there is pack, go to them.
If there is prey, seek it.

Roll on your back in the dew-damp grass
and sing love songs to the moon
in a language that doesn't need words.

Step four is stillness.
When all that is to be done is done,
then stop.

Wait.
Morning approaches.
Neither flee nor chase it.

Step five is the rending of flesh.
Again, one's own body is torn.
The wolf dies to make way for the wyf or wer
at least for a time.

Then, rise on two feet
go back to your house of brick and bone
and live one life until the other calls you back.