Hunter

watercolor by drice

He gets up early
sits in a blind
waits, watches,
rifle ready

hears the flutter.
takes aim and shoots.
If he is lucky gets one
but if the bird is blessed
she gets away.

This relationship of hunter
and hunted plays out in waterways
around the world
for some it provides food
for others sport

but for the prey
it is a matter of life and death,
no romance, bravado or myth
a real bullet tears into her flesh

enters her heart
leaves her bleeding
easy for the dog to locate
and carry to his master

who will then gut and de-feather her
for his family to enjoy
she'll be roasted and garnished
with an orange glazed sauce.