The Buck

                                    I.
                              The buck
                              was poised
                              in his proud and
                              majestic stance,
                              a prime target
                              for a hunter
                              whom should happen
                              along by chance.

                              At the top
                              of the ridge
                              the buck
                              stood alone,
                              with his nose
                              up in the air
                              like a king
                              upon his throne.

                              After sniffing
                              the morning's air
                              as if searching
                              for a scent,
                              he left his
                              hillside court
                              and made his
                              winding descent.

                              Down the hillside
                              he trod with caution
                              moving in silence
                              he made his way,
                              ever so wary
                              of the unexpected
                              on that brisk and clear
                              November day.

                              The squirrels
                              were chattering loudly
                              as each scampered
                              to its tree,
                              to clear a way
                              for the beast
                              of a gentle
                              nobility.

                                    II.
                              The buck was
                              being watched
                              by a pair of
                              human eyes,
                              as he moved
                              along the trail
                              but how could
                              he realize?

                              It was the snap
                              of a twig
                              that had alarmed
                              the wary buck,
                              was it unfortunate
                              for the man?
                              Or for the deer
                              was it plain luck?

                              The buck zigged
                              and it zagged
                              back and forth
                              through the trees,
                              carrying his
                              great bulk
                              with much grace
                              and with ease.

                              But his luck
                              ran out fast
                              with no help
                              from the stick,
                              and the hunter's
                              mark was found
                              by a
                              thirty-ought six.

                              As the fatal
                              shot rang out
                              the birds flew
                              from their trees,
                              and the buck heaved
                              a great sigh
                              as it collapsed
                              to its knees.

                                    III.
                              The snow fell late
                              that particular year
                              and plenty of food
                              was to be found,
                              deer often passed
                              that way before
                              but that season
                              not many came 'round.

                              There once were sounds
                              of clashing antlers
                              and the snorting
                              of the deer,
                              that was before
                              the signs were removed
                              that read:
                              "No Hunting Here"