See there marches Orion

See there marches Orion

   With Sirius close at his feet

Tarrying not long in the air

   To begin the midnight hunt. 

His quickened breath congeals -

   His boots crunch the fallen snow -

His eyes attempt to discern

   Between tree and furtive shadow.

Mark the occasion and time

   Of this harvest moon's fair

And note the dog's primal talent

   For smelling blood and fear

Not to bring down a mighty elk

   To quarter and tan its hide - 

What they instead come upon

   Is Aries in a clearing field.