The Hunt
The forest opens up this time of year,
there's a chill in the air for ventures so dear.
Walking quiet is difficult on a carpet of leaves,
the rustling signals all creatures beware.
But they are hiding until it is clear.
To come out warily and forage near.
Putting away fat and stores for the winter ahead.
Making sure they can spend it in a warm bed.
Smoke rises in the distance, joining rotting leaves.
Acrid smell of autumn rekindles ancient beliefs.
Hunter sits quietly and waits for the sound.
A squirrel, a partridge, rabbit, turkey come 'round.
Shoots with skill to make a clean kill,
not wanting the animal to suffer any ill.
A time-honored pastime to put food on the table,
all men and boys used to hunt if they were able.
The greatest feeling is to spot a big brash buck,
emerge from the forest for those that have luck.
Heart races as the antlers come into range,
kill must be quick, pull the trigger so strange.
Gun's report echoes through the valley and trees,
he runs for a bit, then mighty buck falls to his knees.
The family won't go hungry this winter of cold.
With warm blankets of fur and venison to behold.
Copyright 2017 © Ronald W. Hull
11/23/17
You can read this format my website here.
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Very nicely written. I am not a hunter, but I can appreciate your descriptive passages.
Happy Holidays,
Peace love and light,
Amber
This is such a nice piece...words from the heart. I can feel your drifting back to an earlier time, when all was well with the world. Thanks so much for the nostalgic read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
David
Perhaps poets are family.
Beautiful writing- fond memories.
John
you have written well of bygone days. as fine a piece of writing as any of yours are.
is trophy hunting, be it antlers, rabbit tails, taxidermy et al. I find I'm not judgemental nearly as much as I'm disappointed that hunting has/is becoming something different from my father's influence and my growing up days. Even though I achieved my rifle expert badge in the Marine Corp reserves, I only had to excel on targets of straw, or cardboard. I'm thankful I never had to use the weapon in battle.