THE SCOUT

                                                                                for James

You were four years old when I was born
   you were always there to warn
   and watch out for a younger me
   now I'm older and I see

Came to school, you went before
   I wasn't first to cross the door
   your presence managed to prepare
   all involved, I'd soon be there

You were old enough to hunt 'fore me
   but I would tag along to see
   how to spot both game and sign
   for when the time to hunt was mine

By time we both had gotten older
   and each of us had grown much bolder
   we'd often wander off alone
   hoping our skills to further hone

After you went into uniform
   when fall days became unwarm
   you'd come home on leave often to hunt
   now led to stand by larger runt

When your army days had passed
   and neither's legs were quite so fast
   in scouting we would oft' take turn
   since both had little time to burn

Remember that big ten point buck?
   your taking him was not just luck
   I'd leased the land and built the stand
   that brought said monarch to your hand

But that big swamp we used to fish
   and catch as many as we'd wish
   you were first to hike in there
   willing with me this spot to share

It took some work, but we had fun
    for years in woods from sun to sun
    I still recall our last short trip
   as cancer held you in its grip

Too soon the end of our shared time
   tears flow as I write this rhyme
   its back the way it used to be
   again you scout ahead of me