The coyotes sounded like hurt dogs. They agitated plainly for Christ's return. May they not be heard.
The coyotes in Denis Johnson's "Tree of Smoke" are described as making sounds reminiscent of injured dogs, which conveys a sense of distress and longing. Their cries serve as a haunting metaphor that reflects an intense desire for a transformative presence, possibly representing hope in a tumultuous world. This imagery suggests a yearning for relief from suffering or for salvation that seems elusive.
The line implies that the pleas of the coyotes should not be acknowledged or heard, hinting at a deeper commentary on the futility of their cries in the face of despair. Their agitation underscores a collective longing for change, yet the warning suggests that such yearning might lead to more pain or disillusionment. Johnson's portrayal evokes a poignant sense of existential struggle and the search for meaning amidst chaos.
