opening day -
from my vest I eat a
year-old power bar

cloudy morning
I ponder my reasons
for hunting

full game pouch -
the hotel sign blinks
No Vacancy

opening day -
the night before we hunt
for missing gear

October stars -
a flashlight left behind
at the campsite

Abbey, May 7,1994-September 13,2007

Waiting for two days
Anxious, too old for false hope
Today the vet came

I cradled her head
Although her eyes did not close
There was peace in death

She is sleeping now
Arthritic legs not working
Tomorrow it ends

Retired

Morning walk routine
My old dog Abbey lay down
No more hunt in her