Proof

Finally, my moment of truth
I had been in training
from one month to twelve
my dad, my grandpa
teaching me the truth
survival, strength, skill
skills that few ever learn
my heart starts pumping
my face flushed
my stomach turning
I inhale the cool
morning pine air
the shy animal
freezes not knowing
she gazes at me
as I do her
I listen to grandpa
in my clowded head
as he slowly says
"squeeze the trigger"
I let out my breath
and as natural
as the deer herself
BANG!
yells and screams of joy
pour from my father and grandpa
my muscles relax
I had passed the final test
the test of strength, skill, survival
the one test that proves I can survive to,
provide for, and protect the ones I love
the most important lesson of life was over
but the test never ends.