The Shadow Watches

He runs
Ungainly limbs flying through the air
Dust raised by every pounding footstep
Sweat streaming down naked skin
Leaving small smooth craters in the dirt
The sun beats down
The shadow watches and does nothing

He climbs
Scarce noticing the feel of bark
Small splinters working into torn flesh
Insects fall or are crushed
Striving to get lighter, faster
The sun beats down
The shadow watches and does nothing

He stalks
Care taken with each step
Silent and sure
Arrow on string ready to fly
To bring down his prey
The moon shines brightly
The shadow watches and does nothing

He sails
Salt spray covering skin
Callouses torn, healed, torn again
At mercy of the great winds
Monsters sleeping deep
The sun beats down
The shadow watches and does nothing

He dies
Alone and facing death with no fear
By choice lying strong
Ready and willing
Waiting
The sun beats down
The shadow watches, reaches out in gentle embrace
Covers him in care and memory
The sun beats down no more