The Hunter

The little black truck slowed to a stop at the side of the road.
Swinging the door open, a young man and his dog jumped clear.
Reaching inside he lifted out his rifle and slung it over his shoulder.
With his hand holding firm to the leash man and dog,
strode to the edge of the wood and disappeared.
The man stepped lightly on leaf strewn ground
downwind … making no sound.
Clothing blending … body bending … beneath the boughs.
The hound … nose to the ground … zig-zagged at his side,
excitement in the strained lines of her body.
The trail they followed was fresh … the rabbit scent strong.
With a consistent tug on the Lead … the hound was in pursuit.
The leash unsnapped … she moved away … eager for the chase.
The young man waited … watching … listening,
as the sound of the howling hound … grew fainter.
He smiled knowing this could be her last run,
and she was the “hunter” doing what she loved.