Ancient My Enemy

Written for the Poem a Day Challenge, Jan 9th, 2005

Ancient my enemy, and strong.
We have stalked one another
Through primeval forests and vales
With blood lust in our eyes
And howls in our throats.

Ancient my enemy, and worthy.
We have trailed one another
Across a sea of stars and galaxies
Ebbing now closer, then further away
Like the tides of a raging sea.

Ancient my enemy, and beautiful.
He lies with my spear at his throat,
But at the moment of death, a reprieve;
I look deep into his eyes and myself see,
For we are one through all eternity.

Ancient my enemy and wise.
I step back for one moment
And he is up with a leap.
He stops at the edge of the forest,
Understanding and respect in his nod.

Ancient, ancient my enemy.
The mighty hunters live on
To hunt again on long forgotten
Shores of another world.
Ancient my enemy, my friend.