The Hunter

By Frater Valak

Through avenues in the woods I lurk.
On the crest of the hill I watch.
Through valleys uncounted
And meadows untold; I hunt.

Gleaming eyes in the shadows of night
Thrill to the prospect of the kill.
Hidden in shadows I camouflage
From the rest of the world my intent.

Padding through the silence of life,
The rush of the wind in the leaves
And songs of the birds in the glade
Are ever abetting mine urge.

Its true, this driving necessity;
I kill, indeed, to survive.
But the meal is much more tasty
When combined with passionate drive.

Slithering through the sage, I hunt
A sparrow or desert mouse.
Patience, the test of my virtue ---
For I am the Hunter.

Perched upon the tree-branch, I hunt
The scurrying creatures, this eve
Night vision, the key of perception ---
For I am the Hunter.

Swift through the grasses, I hunt
The leisurely grazing gazelle.
The chase, the proof of endurance ---
For I am the Hunter.

On leathery wings, through darkness, I hunt
The bugs in the air this night.
Sound, the forming of judgement ---
For I am the Hunter.

Quietly through the forest, I hunt
Whatever may come my way
Stealth and surety, the work of the will ---
For I am the Hunter.

The constant use of these skills I possess
Keeps me sharp and lively.
To dull my wits on lesser things
Defeats the reasons for which I exist.

I persist, therefore, in mine assiduity
Constantly honing mine edge.
With beak and claw, attack and withdraw
To eat my meal with vigour in peace.

Ye who kill without purpose,
You I must misunderstand.
I cannot conceive in thy madness
How you fit within Nature's plan.

Pure in spirit and true to life,
I cannot but love my prey.
I adore their beauty and grace
Right to the moment I make my play.

Enjoy, therefore, each aspect
Of life in its variety
Be true to thy nature, whatever it may
And condemn not others in their way.

In the circle of life, my role, I hunt;
From land or sea or the sky,
I exceed to the fullness of my nature
For the Hunter am I.