I watch the snow fall from above
As many times in the past.
What is this drive that makes a man
Risk his life to fulfill this task?

The call comes from somewhere deep within
A thing you can't explain.
This urge must be answered, not rejected
No matter what the pain.

Deep in the forest beyond all roads
Is where the monarchs roam.
The snowy boughs of tall pine trees
Protect their wintry home.

As I walk with trusted bow in hand
I enter their domain.
My search for signs of their whereabouts
I hope is not in vain.

I crossed a stream and there they were,
Huge foot prints in the snow.
He passed by here soon after light,
"Come on old bow let's go."

The trail leads on for miles and miles,
My legs are eager still.
Crossing ridges, canyons, steep ravines
I close for one more kill.

Here's a snow-packed spot where he laid down
For a short and much needed rest.
It's getting quite late, I could use the same,
This has become an endurance test.

Another push will get me close,
I stumble now and then.
I lean against a rock outcrop
To catch my breath again.

In my mind the years roll back,
No restfull nap for me.
Then just beyound with weary eyes
A trophy elk I see.

With freezing fingers I grip my bow
And snap an arrow to the string.
He turns his head and stares at me,
And releases a piercing scream.

I stand and watch in deep silence
With wonder and great awe.
I know my past unsuccessful hunts
Will end here in this draw.

With cold and aching muscles clenched
I draw with all my might.
Then the string slips from my fingers,
The arrow is gone in flight

He reflexes from the movement
But his instinct is too late,
The monarch and the arrow
Are on a fateful date.

A calmness settles o'er the forest
As the big bull breathes his last.
I'll just sit down, I'll get some rest
And then get about my task.

When all my work is over
I'll enjoy the fire's heat,
And I'll thank the Lord above
For another winter's meat.

Beautiful Sir. just beautiful. an ode to Nature and man's place within it.

Agreed...nicely done!

Awesome words. Loved reading it.A little less than 41/2 months to go...Thank you sir for the wonderful poem/prayer.

Moving

Hopefully I'll make it back to Colorado this September.  If and when I do, I'll be thinking of this poem.  Thanks for sharing.

BOB

Very nice...thanks.

Thanks for sharing that.

Nice!

   

Very inspiring, thank you.

Thanks for sharing.  I'll be after elk for the first time this year.  I have a feeling it won't be my last.

Gene my friend that is absolutly awesome. I really needed that right now. Thank You

       

Awesome, sir!  

That is indeed inspiring, very well done.  

Beautiful! Thanks for taking me on that journey. The fever is burning and it is only April! September can't come soon enough...

Well done, Gene. Obviously written by a man who's invested a lot of himself into the chase...and received much in return.

WELL DONE SIR!

chris <><

Very nice, I really enjoyed that.