It was the day earlier than Christmas and all by way of the timber;
the snow was thigh-deep; well past my knees.
My snares had been hung within the trails with care,
in hopes {that a} hare would quickly run there.
—
The bunnies had been snugged tight in tunnels below the snow;
willow bark doesn’t name at forty under.
My snowshoes sunk deep as I trudged alongside;
it was wanting like Christmas dinner may be a prayer and music.
—
Then what to my excited eyes did seem?
A large number of sharptail tracks — and so they close to!
I picked up the tempo and cocked my gun;
A little bit of luck and I’d get one!
—
I noticed the flock, a mother and her summer time’s chicks,
I lowered my gun; that household of birds was not on my record.
I slung the rifle and turned away;
A hen and her babes ought to be allowed to run free, at present.
—
The solstice shadows had been lengthy on the snow,
I turned again towards the cabin; I had fairly a method to go.
The waning moon, hung within the sky;
A fantastic grey owl winged silently by.
—
Two ravens flew in a loud pair,
headed to roost — who is aware of the place?
Crimson-backed vole tracks threaded the bottom,
I noticed the outlet the place he went down.
—
A fox had circled sniffing in hope;
gauged the depth of the snow and determined; nope!
A few coyotes had been by, a pair days earlier,
I knew I wouldn’t see them, they’re fairly devious.
—
There have been locations the place lichens had been dug from the bottom,
so I used to be certain that caribou had been shut round.
Then I noticed them, only a flash within the timber,
they may have been reindeer; away just like the breeze.
—
The aurora was vibrant within the east as I trekked nearer to dwelling,
hungry I used to be, from my six mile roam.
There can be no hares or birds for Christmas Day,
however no small critters must pay.
—
Trapping is ok and searching may be good,
however there are issues that want be understood.
We ought to be conscious, particularly on Christmas Day;
taking a life isn’t for play.