We don*t eat the guests

In my counseling internship at Heartland, a small town/rural agency, I remember one of my first staff discussions involved the pleasures of hunting doves.  Here is a shout-out to Michael, my professor and founder of Heartland and hunter of doves... I am glad to hear you are entertaining grouse as guests in Montana.

The squirrels have worn a path

In the snow

In the backyard.

The path loops toward the back gate.

The ducks waddle

Across the way.

I wait for the cardinals to show

In the hedge.

Far away in Montana

My professor entertains grouse

In his snowy yard.

He calls them guests.

Four years ago I remember

Extensive conversation

Around hunting doves,

The pleasures,

The flavor.

I am glad his yard

Entertains grouse  

As guests.

It is hunting season but still:

Guests are guests.

We don*t eat the guests.

We simply enjoy

Their presence.