Toxophile

A taught string anchored
with raw power suspended.
Thirty-two inches
of bright-feathered Lodgepole Pine—
a falcon screams in her stoop.

Jock O'Braidosly, A Hunting Tale

I have made two videos in two days! This has to be some sort of record!

Bend the Bow: An Archer's Paean

This is an older poem that I thought need resurrected. I wrote it in October of 2009 and thought that with the approach of archery season it would be appreciated.





An Archer's Paean

Timber, slender and elegant---
Refined by man's reverent hands!
How I love to see thee flex under steely grey skies!

Wood-grain---
A thousand stories in one piece of maple!
How thy arc moves my soul!

Sinew, resonating and alive---
Make this stave reverberate once more!
How thy sweet twang sings to my ears!

Feathers, barred and crisp---
An eager bird perched upon the shaft!
How thou guidest my wishes!

Vision, sharp and true---
My very existence focused on one point!
How the weary world leaves my mind!

Arms, brawn and might---
Bend the form to my design!
How thou drawest the world into perspective!

Impact, distinct and remarkable---
Fulfill the purpose of my endeavor!
How thou gladden my heart!

Quarry, sacred and divine---
God has given thee to me!
How thy death brings life!

In archery, all of life and death is witnessed.
Breath for breath, hunter and game entwine!