there was no snow but I

found his track anyway  easy

I stalked him all morning

he was quick and almost clever

but I had his number

I had his scent too

I moved fast yet remained

as quiet as the nearby stream

always ready  eyes left and right

in case he backtracked

about eleven o’clock I had him

one shot took him down

god he was big  over 200 pounds

not counting what he had on him

I undressed him  was going to skin him

but decided to just stake him out

you know  like the Indians and the VC

did to warn us  and as a trophy too

besides I wanted a smoke real bad

and I had to get the hell out of there

out of state asshole  with a wad of cash

and what was left of a pint of JD on him

his daddy should have taught him

you don’t smoke and drink out hunting

well I’m all done for the day  cheers

get your buck yet Pete?  sure did

all the way home I’m seeing the look

on his face when my bullet hit him

what the hell did he expect?  out there

in the spooky old woods alone with his gun

it could just as easily have been me

well no  not really

next weekend I’ll head up north

a good piece of woods I know up there

hit that game supper on the way home

I love hunting season

Peter Buknatski

Montpelier, Vt.

(Don’t try this at home, kiddies.  or, so close to home.)