Hunger Knows Caution

The forest was so still and my heart calm.
The frogs in the pond croak welcoming in the morning air.
A fog sweet, wet, hazy-grey blankets us cloaking my spotted hide,
muting the mornings’ echo.

Though mother has left, she, dearest Hunger has not.
Deep in my entrails, the two-legged hunters so desire;
she, Hunger stirs, twisting a preemptive knife of warning.

Only small buds rise on my head where antlers will be by fall.
Death waits breathless on the breeze.
Hunger, dearest Hunger
knows Death.

Father was lost to Death on a bright fall morn.
My ears turn, a branch crumbles beneath the weight of ...
Hunger knows Caution and tosses her head within my tender hide.
My fur rises at her discomfort. She is not satisfied.
Yet, I would flee, holding her close to my heart.
I leap away from the clearing over a fallen log
shaped like a bobcats tail curling.

The forest of conifers is dense and deep.
The weak morning sun does not enter and Hunger approves of the privacy.
Sometimes, I wonder, as I eat the sweet stalks of wild onions
without mother or father; would I be here in this majesty, 
without my dearest, without Hunger.
Would the hunter hunt me without his Hunger?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Crisci Avatar
June 15, 2009 at 7:31 PM
Hi, Deborah! First of all I would like to thank you for your heartfelt and inspiring comments. Congratulations on your win in Matt's contest! I love the theme and the flow of words. Forests are my favorite places of refuge...there alone in the wild! Best wishes for more wins and continued success. Warm Regards, Andrew.
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
June 14, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Deborah, This was a wonderful way to handle this challenging write. Congratulations on placing in this contest. Excellent. Lovingly, Dane
Mason Avatar
June 12, 2009 at 8:16 AM
Congratulations on your win in Matt's contest. This is a beautiful, outstanding write, Deborah!
La France Avatar
June 11, 2009 at 6:17 AM
Congratulations on your win, a wonderful poem
Winter Avatar
June 10, 2009 at 5:42 PM
YAY on your absolutely awesome win in Matt's contest! Way to go Debbie gal! Love & hugs, Shar xoxo
Johnson Avatar
June 10, 2009 at 5:15 PM
Great win, Deborah. congratulations. Love, Joyce
Hudson Avatar
June 10, 2009 at 2:50 AM
Cingratulations on your 3rd place win-AA
Spence Sr Avatar
May 17, 2009 at 8:25 AM
This flow of this piece is excellent. I like your use of images to bring the essence of the poem to the forefront. That's a wonderful strategy. The theme is also consistent with the title and the narration. Great job! ~Joseph
Chircop Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Hunger knows caution-i love the title and the defined description and i love the last verse,makes me think about hunting for survival--wonderful and good luck my friend for the contest,regarding your comment,you saw deep in my poem Rich Oyster,as deep as a friend would see;-)---and you are one of my pearls in shells too,the Rich Oyster is something else then;-)you seem to have a sixth sense my sweet friend---charma
Bones Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 3:01 PM
hi deborah to answer ur question tongues is a langauge given by God so we can talk to him when we run out of english
Winter Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 2:03 PM
Awesome! I had a similar idea and thank goodness I did not use it as it never would compare! Nice work! Good luck! Love, Shar
Goff Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Deborah, now the cave-man looks in the mirror.....well done!! Jim and thanks for your great comments!! Jim
Richards Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 7:00 AM
A provocative question in your last line....A great poem, Deborah....superb writing once again! ~ Carrie
Lachica Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 6:33 AM
Such a lovely piece! a metaphor with so much to give Deborah, like it a lot! Thanks for your comment.
Reed Avatar
May 16, 2009 at 5:41 AM
Nice write... I loved the story in this... Jack..
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