Christmas Stranger

Majestic he stands

Horns high, fearless and alone

Nudging the Christmas snow

Filling his lungs with the high winter’s wind

So boldly he strides over to me the stranger

My hands trembling

As he stamps a huge hoof

Striking something firm beneath this white carpet

That we have come to share

And with it’s muted thud and a quick heavy breath

He affirms to me the stranger

His pride and unrestrained command

It is a place, a moment, a time

That is forever scored into the music of my life

Wild....Free...Exhilarating

A true Christmas gift of nature

And for it’s blessing I give an eternal thanks

For now my brother the elk

Is no longer a stranger

James Elrod

S. 8-8-03