I SIT READY FOR THE NIGHT


I dreamed I could walk again
That I was twenty
In my prime
I hiked up the Mountain
Brisk and without pain
I started in the morning
I had my riffle slung over my shoulder
I knew that there were Bear
Hiding in the trees
The path went back and forth
As I climbed slowly
My breath growing ever more shallow
As I gained altitude
I heard rustling to my left
A deer I think
Running and jumping gracefully
The Mountain spoke to me
Of Men past and adventures
Of the Beaver building a quiet dam
The squirrel running around a tree
Gathering for the winter
Near the peak now
I look around
Twilight on the Mountain
I sit ready for the night
Silence


Michael V Hechtman