Orion

by Columbine

I loved Orion, who walked alone
His steady stride spanned frozen nights
When summer fled on the heels of the geese
His footfalls timed the winter's course
Snow-shrouded hills and naked boughs
Would bring him striding over the pines
Drawn to his ancient nameless quest
For not the stag, but his darkened home
I walked beside my silent friend
Befriended his dog, as I did all beasts
And grudged them not their ageless sport
While the Bears still lumbered around the Pole
I stood on the bridge in the lonely hour
Watched ice-clouds in black river-sky
A church bell called like a startled jay
And settled back into its wooden nest
Orion, standing over the bridge
Called to his dog, stamped snow from his boots
And struck off down his well-worn track
Empty-handed, his bow unstrung
Over his shoulder, in heaven's course
A star-woman stirred among river-clouds
And walked once more the dark blue curve
Of a hill, and through the wood, and home.

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