The Hunter

I set myself on fire
As the sun that starts the day
I shook the fog of slumber
As the rays that burn the haze

My first few steps were shaky
As a newly born fawn
I sensed my way through darkened halls
As the deer she creeps before dawn

I cleanse myself with water
As the duck cups his wings and gently lands
I dry and prepare to present myself
As the gobbler spreads his fan

I suit myself in nature's shades
As mother earth provides defenses
I mesh and blend and cover scent
As I hide body and intentions

I stride my feet that press a path
As the deer they scamper to feed
I trample tundra for a cause
As the land we live from we need

I climb the oak that gives its bounty
As squirrel and I hope to feed
Both our successes depend on structure
As we take haven in limbs and leaves

My nerves and patience they are steady
As the grouse perched on the limb
But they scatter and scurry with the crunch
As the rustling leaves flush him

I take in nature's beauty
As on a harvest it depends
Whether predator or prey, all the beasts
As for their life blood they learn to fend

The wind it whistles through the trees
As steam from breath does hang
I nestle in and soak it up
As from wilderness my senses pang

I breathe in deep and fill my lungs
As natures fragrances they singe
I indulge and gorge myself
As senses they do binge

I rough my hands on bark of tree
As midday sun melts frost away
The drops that caress the exposed skin
As Mother Nature's kiss of the day

I feast my eyes on working woods
As its inhabitants they rustle
I see necessity in effort for survival
As instinct makes them bustle

I clench down tight to fend off chill
As the sun she sets
I revel in the simple life
As life lived without regret

I decend from my oak home
As I fill my soul once more
I gather my belongings
As I bend, kiss my hand and touch natures floor

I trace my steps now in reverse
As careful not to disturb
I entered their home and watched them live
As I escape with most concern

I have burned out like the sun
As we rest for our next go round
One bringing and one ending life
On natures hallowed ground