The Hermit

By the slimy muck he did dwell
Where the black ooze hid its smell
Under leaves that fell by day
This killer waited for its prey

How well this hermit knew the land
Even better then the back of his hand
He’d gather food when it got dark
He ate just roots and bits of bark.

His friendship given to no other
Lonesome feelings he would smother.
So people in the town near by
Did not know him, nor did they try.

One day while playing by the bog
A young girl slipped from a log
And fell into the sucking muck
Without a soul to change her luck.

Slowly waking from a morning dream
He heard the child’s frantic scream
And jumping in he pushed her away
As their fates were traded on that day.

There was nothing anyone could do
He smiled at her and his life was through.
All traces of him gone in a while
Except the memory of his last smile.

The girl grew to be a lady grand
And became queen over all the land.
Even the poorest peasant loved her so,
Receiving them all with a gentle glow.

And the old hermit who existed no more
On the face of mankind had been a sore
But surly you will agree, it is a fact,
He redeemed his life in a single act.

By AFS