Silence -- not a leaf trembled, Not a cloud floated by; The lake was clear and still, And the wood, a magic cave. A rustle and a step, A swift movement in the wood, And to the lake's edge Stepped a hunter -- gun poised. Above, a streak of white, A yellow bill and shining eyes, A thing of beauty and of life -- Poised for a moment in the air. A deafening crash, a gun lowered; The sound of splashing water; And then once more -- silence. |