The Intruder

Quietly, so as not to rustle a leaf or grass
I neared the edge of the pond and hid behind a bush
aware of each blink of an eye or twitch of muscle.
I waited patiently with great anticipation.

The glistening of the water as the sun shone down
sent rainbows of color as far as my eyes could see.
A slight breeze made the undulating water sparkle
like little pixies performing a morning ballet.

A flutter in the sky above me made me shiver,
until I realized a flock of geese had landed,
arriving for a morning swim in cool water.
They seemed happy to be there, unaware of danger.

I heard a splash as a fish jumped up to catch a bug,
then watched a water snake wiggle to the other side.
The chirping of birds lent music to my waiting ears.
So much life happening in this isolated spot.

I felt like an intruder, and yet I couldn’t leave.
The tranquil surroundings and solitude, were calming;
another world from the one I had left behind me,
even if I could only be here for a short time.

And then! I heard the snort that I had been waiting for.
Majestic and grand, he stood at the edge of the woods,
Observing, listening for anything not familiar.
My heart was pounding, I tried to still my excitement.

With a shake of his head, he walked to the water’s edge.
The massive rack on his crown affirmed his kingly state.
The forest was so quiet, barely a sound was heard,
except the lapping of the buck as he quenched his thirst.

Then suddenly, he turned and ran back into the woods,
almost like a phantom had come and gone in seconds.
Through the years I have been taken back there in my mind.
Then I’m revived again by the memory of that day.

32 Lines
Free Form Poetry