Ambush

by Maximo D. Ramos

And so in falling dusk, I sat with gun

In tree commanding well, a frequent run

Of jungle hog that from good evidence

Came out of nights stole through the bamboo fence.

And injury n longer to be borne

Went rooting up my coconut and corn
The tree was well to leward of the spot
Where half-hid, run, emerge. I was not

To be detected by suspicious smell

Nor seen for leafy boughs concealed me well

The wait was long and starry night

Each whining insect had to have a bite
But soon from jungle rim
was heard a sound and darkened shadow
formed on trodden ground.

I raised the shotgun, said this would end

All molestation from my porcine friend

But trotting with a hog behind before

Came squeaking things. First two, then three, then four.

I held my aim, let sow and litter go;
In the morning, I repaired my fences though.