The Hunt

In diminishing sunshine
I sit back in long grass. 
Silent and vigilant
soon my quarry will pass.

My eyes face the forest,
fixed firm on grass verge.
Observing as shadows,
and all the trees merge.

As darkness succeeds,
before the moons somber rise.
Woeful whistling of wings,
betray a duck as it flies.

Far below from the creek,
a lone frog starts it’s croak.
Soon followed by others,
as if sharing a joke.

First my skin feels the breeze, 
as the cabbage trees flap.
Dry leaves knock together,
supplying a crowd clap.

My pulse sharply quickens,
to the faint snap of a twig.
A startled bird chatters,
my prey must be big.

As the moonlight arrives,
I strain my eye and my ear.
Looking and listening,
for my quarry of deer.
 
I’m breathing so deeply
Did that gorse bush just move?
My hearts beating fiercely
Perhaps the sound of some hooves?
 
Suddenly, a noble old stag, 
Emerges, into full sight.
Emits his rut enraged roar,
My neck hairs stand up in fright.
 
Looking quickly through lens,
aiming to be silent and quick.
This proud beast will soon vanish,
at the first sound of a click.
 
His antlers are heavy,
they’ve had plenty of wear.
One shot with the camera,
and he’s no longer there.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2016

Poem

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Thomas Avatar
April 1, 2018 at 10:12 PM
Oh thank you thank you for the ending Mark! I have absolutely nothing against hunting for food but it still breaks my heart sometimes. I really enjoyed your poetic story. :)
Woods    Avatar
April 1, 2018 at 10:21 PM
Nothing wrong with it breaking your heart. That is the way it should be, otherwise we never honour what has given it's life in order for us to flourish. : )
Raven Avatar
May 8, 2017 at 10:04 AM
Hi Mark, this is a wonderful and engaging write. I was hooked from the first line to the surprise ending. I really wasn't waiting for that. You had me going all the way. This is excellent poetry. I am on my fourth read write now, as i write this comment i keep stopping and read again. This piece is so engaging. Well Mark, this is a seven and a fave. Your Friend Always....Mike.
Godwin Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 11:43 AM
Mark, where do I begin? How I have missed you? Or how cussing word good this poem is? Both are sincere comments and both have me excited. I love when brevity so well serves a poem and this did just that. It is excellent, crisp and engaging writing with a surprise ending, as well. 7 and I have missed you 100+++++++++ Hi ... CayCay
Woods    Avatar
November 10, 2016 at 11:48 AM
I've been away, just to busy doing 100 hour weeks. I was swimming through the soup occasionally. However my writing was flat, . I do like this one though.
Gupta Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 5:26 AM
Wow ... great surprise in the last stanza holding the camera ... great ...
Woods    Avatar
October 30, 2016 at 12:51 PM
Thank you Probir, I would have loved this for the contest but it's a bit long.
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