The piece uses a circular motive found throughout, and its original title was Loops. Rouse dismissed the title as bland and prosaic, but the Latin word "lupus" (wolf) came to mind, reminding him of how a wolf, when hunting, circles its prey.
The composition utilizes a circular theme that is repeated throughout, and it initially bore the title Loops. Rouse deemed the title uninteresting and ordinary, but the Latin term "lupus" (wolf) came to mind, reminding him of how a wolf, when pursuing, circles its quarry.