Game Of Chance

In the meadow
a twelve point buck
stands vigilant
over the herd
his polished black eyes
reflect the woods within.

A hungry cougar approaches.
The buck entrenched
his body consumed with fright--awaits.

The cougar charges
stops abruptly at streams edge.
Its width not calculated
by eagerness.
He paces the bluff--yowls.

With frustrated eyes he watches
helplessly as the buck
sensing the cats plight.

Scurries from the openness
into the chestnut woods
into the blush twilight.

Churring insects applaud
the prancing waters--dancing pebbles.
Laughter floods the silence
and shadows etch new games.