Brick row houses
stand sentry
along cobbled streets
in Old Town Alexandria.

My dogs and I
are acclimating
to our new neighborhood
in the quiet hours.

A steady flowing river
laps at the nearby shore
while darkness coats
the predawn sky in
inky black.

We are utterly alone.

It is with some surprise then
that we spy movement ahead.

There!
Darting along the sidewalk
are two young foxes
searching for breakfast,
such a welcome sight!

The sleek pair
raise their heads and freeze.

My dogs and I,
unwelcome interlopers.

Ears flattened and tails straight,
the red foxes
stand at equal height
to my pair of pups.

Before long
the foxes drop their heads,
setting off down the street.
Yet, this pair does not slink.

Rather,
the two trot boldly
down the center of the street,
coming in and out of focus
with each pool of street light.

As we turn for home
I smile —
the neighborhood seems larger,
more welcoming now.
A bright sign
in a new year.