FROM DARK TO LIGHT(rhyme patterns final exercise)

Another autumn day afield
with naught to show but memories
for the cold hours still and concealed.
not one deer having been revealed
among the mix of hardwood trees;
at least I need not drag a deer.

Legs are stiff from being still
(not to mention two fake knees
unfit to jump even a small rill)
so I slowly ascend this one last hill
in the evening's slight cold breeze
as stars one by one appear.

I reach my truck with rising moon
put unfired rifle in its case
then pause to listen to a loon
singing out its haunting tune
from the lake on down the trace.
It stop, I load my other gear.

Then in my truck, turn on the key
listen as old engine comes awake.
Truck's old which makes it much like me.
We both chug along (often haltingly)
I put it in gear, let off the break
then reluctantly get out of here.

Down the road radio on
an oldies station I like to hear.
For the first time since dawn
I'm warming up with each breath drawn
but alone so music's all I hear;
alone ,just music, dark, no deer.

I shift around to ease my aching back
and thoughts of friends now gone away...
I'm assailed by an attack
of thoughts which turn my mood to black
as vanished sun declares the end of day.
Is my Final journey drawing near?

There are no lights on this roadside.
I've no company save the tires' hum.
I'm filled with sorrows I can't hide
and darkness which won't be denied.
I am bereft, alone and numb.
I wipe away an errant tear.

At last comes the sight of home
and I slow to turn down the driveway.
Home's windows shine like light of day
through which i spy my wife, my bride
and all the dark thoughts fall away
replaced by the love which dwells here.