The Hunt

Originally written for my six year old cousin who, for a child, has some serious and well thought out opinions on animal cruelty. She's the first one out to the gate.

It started on a dusty morn',

The heat was high, the breeze forlorn.

A young man and his dog were bored

Until they spied a precious hoard.

Gold, it shimmered in the haze,

Swished its tail with anxious gaze.

The red fox leapt and tried to run.

The hunters cried, 'The game is on!'

Pursuing hard through fen and fold,

Finally they claimed their gold

But when it turned to glistening red

Not a single sorrowful tear was shed

They'd killed it dead!

It started on a rainy day,

No sun to chase the clouds away

Bright red coats the riders wore,

Their horses stamping to the fore.

When all at once a bugle call

Sounded loud and woke them all.

'Hup,' they cried, 'Halloo, away!'

And with a dash they caught their prey.

A rabbit just, so small and thin,

And yet they gloried in their win.

The dogs, they bit and scrapped and fought.

The hunters didn't spare a thought.

A little prize, so dearly bought.

It started on a crisp, cold night.

The moon was low, the stars were bright.

An old man in his cottage bare

Smoked his pipe and sniffed the air.

The dogs were out, he heard them bark

But he feared nothing after dark.

Outside he went and closed his gate

And laughed - the hunters were too late!

Men and hounds all cried, 'Hey,hey!'

'Let us through! The fox! Our prey!'

The old man smiled and winked his eye.

No hare nor fox would have to die.

'This is a private lane, goodbye!'

Author's Note

If you're reviewing, critique it simply as a poem for younger readers. I'm not interested in debating the ethics of fox hunting.

Reviews

[J. Rose]

First off, I would certainly hope no-one would be critiquing you about fox hunting ethics after reading that. Such a great read and it flowed so well. I throuroughly enjoyed this. Great job and thank you!!!

[Tess Nicholls]

Glad you liked it, thanks for reading:)

[Marshal Gebbie]

Just love your whimsical sense of humour Tess.
Tally Ho!
M.

[Sam woodlock]

Brilliant. Love the way this poem tells a story, Such a brilliant poem for younger readers.