Death In The Rain.

The rain had brought the animals into shelter
They were wary of him
He could sense their concern
The smell was wrong
He was the unknown
He felt the same
Always out of place
His mind drifted back
Her face came into view
The words distorting
Anger through the tears
She would find another
He was sure of that
The snake slithered over him
Curious, but alert to danger
Trigger alert, just like him
He hated going back
They hated him
Jerk water townsfolk
They flew the flag
But not for him
His surroundings suited
Camouflaged, just like his life
They came into view
Four shots, death in the rain
The animals scattered for a time
But slowly returned
They were wary of him
The smell was wrong
Dead humans appeared to surround him
Her face came into view
The words distorting
Flags were waving
She understood now
The animals began to accept him
He was part of the surroundings.

Reviews

[kentuck14]

Paul,
I like the way you keep coming back to the line . . . "the smell was wrong." My impression: This man is the presence of death . . . not just in war, but as a pervasive reality that animals do not readily understand. but yet, "the smell was wrong." This poem is both mysterious and somehow compelling.

Tom

[Paul Bell]

He definitely dealt out death. But ultimitely died in the process.

[Onlyme]

Is ignorance a bliss to the animals. As for us, humans think we are better. But truthfully we are far from it. Nice piece of writing, dark, haunting, stark and real. Makes you face reality head-on.

[Paul Bell]

Sometimes I think we could learn a lot from animals.

[john l smith]

This is grim
Were I an animal (what?) I would never trust a human.
It is true that animals (but not all) will eventually ignore the human who stays perfectly still, especially camouflaged.
Poor stupid animals don't realize what devious, cunning beasts we are as those sorry, pot shotted souls were to find out.
Dave B

[Paul Bell]

Yeah, we're definitely a stain on the world.

[Lyn Anderson]

The only good human is a dead one? Kinda dark and cynical take on man and nature. Just sayin'

[Paul Bell]

Told you, Lyn. You can't kill him, the police will know it's you.

[DIVYA]

Perhaps death makes nature more accepting of us. Detritus is far more pliable than man. A very original take, Paul. Appreciated very much.

[Paul Bell]

I suppose nature is the maker and the taker. Poem there somewhere.

[DIVYA]

Of course! I like the ruthlessness and perverseness of life!

[MsJewel]

Your words are powerful and thought provoking. You are a talented writer and a pleasure to read :) Julie

[Paul Bell]

Thanks, Julie. Love the sunny photo. Freezing here.

[Stella Armour]

A very few people seem to be accepted as "same" in the animal kningdom, maybe they have souls re-born from nature ?
The rest of us should not be surprised that they are so wary for we are the hunters ..

[Paul Bell]

Yes, the animals sure know the fear of humans.

[barleygirl]

I confess, I don't know what this means. I read your other reviews, but I'm still unsure if I can see this message the same ways. As I read this, I get humans & animals relating to each other similarly, seamlessly . . . and later . . . these relationships are unchanged in death. This is how I feel, having lived with animals all my life & in the wilderness for half my life. I don't feel as separate from the animals as many city folk seem to . . . ??? You are a very intriguing writer! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Paul Bell]

He was a sniper who lived in the animal enviroment for obvious reasons. Wild animals are always wary. But he stayed in position so long the animals accepted him. Then when he died, they definitely accepted him.

[barleygirl]

Even after you explain, I'm still dazed & confused! You have a most unusual way of coming up with a storyline, methinks! *wink! wink!*

[jacob erin-cilberto]

i agree with Coyote...we eventually rejoin nature in one way or another...and in death we are finally accepted? it's unfortunate but probably true.
This write really took me on a journey...and i am feeling inspired by this work and your poetry in general.
j.

[Paul Bell]

Thanks, Jacob. Don't know if January is the depression month for death.

[Coyote Poetry]

In death, we rejoin nature. A interesting poem shared Paul. You took the reader with you to the proper ending. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Paul Bell]

Yes, for a time we belong to nature before returning to it. Nice thought on a Sunday.