Like Incense before You

Last night I woke to the sound of coyotes howling,
not once but several times.
It was thrilling to hear that mysterious, primal sound
rising from the hills.
I especially like the way the alpha starts,
and the others join in,
sustaining that haunting sound in harmony.
It reminds me of how we chant the psalms.
John gets us going with a line or tone,
and then, one by one, our voices merge,
creating something complex and beautiful--
our longing, lifted up in song.
Much like those coyotes,
filling the valley with a joyful noise--
an offering of praise and thanksgiving.