The Bond of Blood and Provisions
This short story about hunting is by Arthur Intermill, our resident literary and artistic genius.
Art creates amazing hunting poems, fishing poems, and short stores about the great outdoors.
He also makes breathtaking unique artwork celebrating hunting, fishing and outdoor life.
You can view more of Art’s work here.
The morning sun was just peeking over the horizon as John loaded his hunting rifle into the back of the truck. His wife Mary stood on the porch, her arms wrapped around their two young children.
“You be careful out there,” Mary said, a hint of worry in her voice. “And bring back enough to last us a good while.”
John nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, darling. We’ll take care of everything. You just keep the home fires burning.”
He climbed into the truck, and his son Billy hopped in next to him. The electricity had been out for days, and with winter fast approaching, they needed to stock up on food. John and Billy had both been hunting since they were young boys, and they knew the woods like the back of their hand.
They drove deep into the forest, the truck bumping along the rough dirt road. John kept an eye out for any sign of game, and before long, he spotted a pair of deer grazing in a clearing.
He motioned for Billy to be quiet, then crept out of the truck, his rifle at the ready. The deer lifted their heads, sensing danger, but it was too late. John squeezed the trigger, and the shot echoed through the woods.
The deer fell to the ground, and John and Billy rushed over to dress it out. It was a good haul, enough meat to last their family for several meals.
As they loaded the deer into the truck, John couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. He had provided for his family, just like his father had done before him. And he knew that no matter what challenges they faced, they would always be there for each other.
They drove home, the sun setting behind the trees. Mary and the kids were waiting for them on the porch, and John couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy as he saw the relief on their faces.
“We did it,” he said, grinning as he lifted the deer out of the truck. “We’ll be eating good tonight!”
Mary hugged him tightly, tears of gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, John. You’re the best husband and father a woman could ask for.”
And as they all sat down to a warm meal, surrounded by the love of their family, John knew that no matter what challenges life threw their way, they would always be there for each other, united and strong.
