Chasing Bison and Dreams

Chasing Bison and Dreams

by Lynn Weston

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It could have occurred a hundred years ago below Druid Peak;

But today it staged the actors in the sagebrush of Slough Creek.

On the flat, a small herd of bison were quietly grazing;

Wolves massed along the creek appeared to be waiting.

Predator and prey, locked into survival again this day;

As timeless as the ages, waiting to come what may.

The assault began with nipping and charging;

There was no clear advantage, but they were just starting.

Bison and wolf fur bristled in the day's new light;

But the wolves walked away, ending the bison's plight.

In sleep that night I saw myself across that creek;

Intently staring at the prey with food to seek.

The bison appeared huge and firmly planted;

Daring us to charge and leave calves stranded.

Then I awoke suddenly out of breath from my bed;

"I'm not really on this hunt," I sadly said.

I have observed life's realities and know how it seems;

But I'd rather be chasing bison and dreams.

Poem by Lynn Weston, May 1, 1999

"Bison and Druid Peak" Photo by Nathan Varley

THE CALF

In the darkness before dawn's light;

Life emerged upon a secluded site.

Hidden in the sage just barely seen;

A new-born elk calf so small and lean.

Legs unsteady and unable to move;

Life had begun with much to prove.

The day's new glow brought a sky bright and fair;

But the place of birth was discovered by an ominous pair.

The scene gradually became all too clear;

As their stalking approach gave mom much to fear.

Wolves twenty-one and forty exploded from the sage;

The cow stood her ground at the approaching rage.

The gray diverted the angry cow's attention;

While the black silenced forever the mother's affection.

The elk swung around with a frenzy and kicked the black;

But the damage inflicted would not bring her calf back.

She lunged at the gray and chased her away;

While the black took the lifeless body without further delay.

The Druid aphas moved to the South taking their leave;

Behind, the heart-broken cow was left alone to grieve.

'Till sundown she stayed near the site just wandering around;

Continually looking and staring at the silent barren ground.

One new creation did not see the day;

So that others may travel upon life's way.

So sleep now my little one for you were not to blame;

Your brief time became a part of life's perpetual flame.

-5/29/99 Lynn Weston

Based on a sighting of the morning of 5/28/99