Everetts' Letter

For a special friend of mine that is moving to Idaho. A hunter just like me.

  No matter the distance, no matter how far. You’ll always be my best friend, no matter where you are.

Close your eyes.

Find your peace.

You can be anything

That you want

To be.

Because you’re just

Like me.

            I recognize that glint in your eye whenever a flock of ducks fly by. When you glimpse deer running through the woods. When you hear a tom gobble with all his might, and you know he is just out of sight.

After the sound of a gun,

The release of an arrow.

After your sight is

No longer narrow.

You follow that trail.

Whether it be blood

And hoof tracks,

Or feathers and

A loud smack.

There you will kneel,

Lowering your head with

Respect and grace.

Thanking for the meat on

The table that you

Can place.

If you work hard enough

You can be whatever you want

To be.

Because you’re just

Like me.

            I know that kind of laugh, that kind of smile. I have seen it, heard it, mirrored in you. That arrogant smirk we both share as we talk of all the fish we’ve caught. All the animals we’ve shot.

We know that their lives

Were never in vain.

We utilize as much as

We can gain.

Not for trophy.

Not for sport.

Our shots are straight

And true.

So the game we hunt,

Those that may feel

Pain remain

As a few.

You see, that is how it is

Supposed to be.

Because you’re just

Like me.

            Miles may separate us, and time may divide us. However, it is not possible for you to be forgotten. No matter the distance, no matter how far. You will always be my best friend, no matter where you are. I will always recognize that wild look, remember those ridiculous stories, and feel those side-hurting laughs and junk food full bellies. The cold air stinging exposed skin as we raced through the trees chasing bucks of our dreams. The looks we shared hearing those gobbles come close. Always believing in, trusting in each other. Making each other prove to be better. Always trying to one-up.

Time that is so short,

Can also feel so long.

Only knowing each other for

One year.

That has to be

Wrong.

It feels more like a lifetime.

Someone I have

Always known.

Funny how things like

That go.

            These memories made will never be lost, because the memories made while hunting together are ones that last for a lifetime. Memories made in the woods, or playing video games, eating, or just plain hanging out with you are too funny to forget. Always teaching me something, that’s just how you are. You took me under your wing without a second’s hesitation, and look where that has gotten us now. We know each other pretty damn well, even though it has only been a year’s time.

For respect, love, and

Conservation.

With this; I solemnly swear:

This will be Everett’s

Hunting Prayer.

            Because no matter the distance, no matter how far. You’ll always be my best friend, no matter where you are. A hunter, a fisher, and an archer you will ever be. Because you are just like me. As they say, “Birds of a feather, flock together.” That’s why this is Everett’s Letter.

 

Always,

Julie Landry