Ode to a Deer Hunter

The seasons of the deer hunter
come and go in life.
To get away and hide-away
from the frantic chaos and strife.

He finds a quiet hilltop,
and settles in to watch...
a deer trots into the clearing,
then lifts his head and stops.

The Hunter knows his dinner
could quickly fade away...
but peace has overcome him,
so he'll shoot another day.

When suddenly he realizes,
just what could he be thinking?
and instantly he awakens,
in bed his eyes ablinking.

by Shirley F. Haley
October 2005

written for my dearest son
Dale Bryce for the panel quilt titled:

Ode to a Deer Hunter

Merry Christmas! (2005)

Ode To My Inner Child

When I was a child, I held back the tears,
but later they came, in young adult years.
I try to let go, to live and let life,
It took all I had to try and forgive.
He is but a man, a human they say,
Incest is brutal...
learning to live, took so many days.
The years now my autumn,
I have found peace.
I touch life with love,
and I no longer grieve.
When you see me now, and know this truth
you may wonder how, I survived my youth.
I tell you truely, I really don't know,
but, God has his mercies,and on us bestows.
I know his love, and his amazing grace.
And, through it all, I found my place.

Shirley F. Haley

published in:
The Best Poems and Poets of 2002


Posting this here for my own reference.