Tribute

There is a silence in the forest

No more the crackling of the fallen leaves and debris

No more the scraping sound from a distance

The noble creature is silent.

He walked the forest in honor

Crowned with broad antlers

Tall and majestic

Although foreboding in stature

Graceful and confidant

Friend to the forest

He did not hear the bow bend

He did not hear the string taut

He did not hear the Prince of the forest

Whose arrow let fly

Whose Father had requested that He bring him

The mighty Moose had fallen

In tribute to my friend

Chuck Ruley

By R.W. Hullender

2/17/2000