The Huntsman
The Huntsman …
Tight and swift, the path of the arrow,
Riving the night rift, with wrath and marrow
The bow hand, steady, a balanced pillar,
The founding medley of a gallant killer
Weapons scrutinized for frays or breaks
Quivers reinforced with cowhide and lace,
Inventory checked and daggers in place,
In case of no reloads, a prize should not waste.
Bracer pulled tight, and arrows intact,
A hefty draw weight, and a moment to act,
With timings precise to minimize shake,
In silence, left waiting for targets to break.
Right down to my core, my straight anchor point,
My iris the guidance, my soul to anoint,
My angel blade sharp, for a strong killing host,
with organs ripped asunder, creating new ghosts
I bow, touch my forehead, and then touch my heart
Shoulder to shoulder, ‘til death do us part
A word with the maker, a huntsmen himself
An orison for mercy for moving in stealth
But life has a cycle and we all play the part,
predator or prey a title from start.
So I plead for forgiveness for taking a life,
For destroying creation, my onus is rife,—
But survival is made for only the fittest
And I must be the arrow, at night through the mist
A pillar so strong, for my kin and my children,
Does that make me hero, or does that make me villain?
The lines blur and fade, like a still anchor point
Of an unsteady hand at its own meager flashpoint,
So torn between the crossroads of life, not my own,
and survival prevails, I have nothing to bemoan.
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Paul, this is wonderful. The subject interesting and the rhyme and flow a pleasure to read.
John I’m very glad you enjoyed this and thank you for your kind words.
The Huntsman in all of us there is, predator or victim which will we be, I just know that I don’t want to be at the point of that arrow flying straight at me. Let me be the Huntsman, a warrior not foe and prevail through the horrors this world brings upon my soul. This is an excellent work Paul, I felt I was there beside this Huntsman, a wonderful piece indeed. Bravo.
Vincent, thank you so much for your kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed this.
Beautifully penned Paul, pristine phrasing and imagery as always. An excellent piece my friend. Sheer talent and literary skills to the fore. Cheers!
Tony thank you so much for your extremely kind words, I’m glad you enjoyed this.
You are a warrior and a master in word craft, Paul. I truly enjoyed reading this great piece. Well done, dear poet. Take care.
Phyllis, thank you so much for your kindness. I’m glad you enjoyed this. Much appreciation
Wonderful piece Paul and it is my thought it is better to be the predator than the prey…
Definitely better to be predator, thank you so much Kurt for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed this.