the caw of the crow
triggered flight of
other unseen birds, the
flutter of flapping wings

the whinny of the horse
prompted the others to
gallop around the paddock,
though the gate remained closed

the startled cow created
panic among the others,
who all began to run,
aimlessly, fearfully

you called to say
you would be home late,
again—not to wait up—
but i, too, respond to signals and
when you come home, 
i will be in the wind