I AM FREE

I am very frightened.

I wonder why this man is doing this to me and my family.

I hear a twig crack he is coming closer.

I see my child's ears perk up as he strains to listen.

I want to get out of this alive.

I am very angry with this man for scaring my child.

I imagine my child being shot and my anger swells inside.

I try to think of a way to escape.

I touch my paw that was shot earlier.

I fear that with this damaged paw I might not make it.

I cry thinking about it because then my child would be motherless.

I believe that if I run fast enough, I might just make it home.

I am sad because there still is a chance I might not make it.

I dream that if I do survive, I shall never trust man again.

I say to my child, "you will be alright, but I may not be able to be with you."

I see the sadness in my child's eyes and it breaks my heart even more.

I understand hunting for food, but this man is doing it for sport and this I cannot understand.

I try to lift my foot; it is not as bad as I thought.

I now know I can make it.

I AM FREE.