BENEATH GREEN TWIG (challenge #10)

I've come close to heaven and been through hell
in a life that's spanned too many years
sometimes lived badly other times well
laughed like a fool or drowned in tears.

My time's seen failures and success.
I've earned awards and condemnations
and deserved them both I guess.
I admit this with no reservations.

All these thoughts occur to me
while sitting on this wild hill side
beneath a soaring poplar tree
as I watch a pair of goshawks glide.

I use hunting deer as an excuse
for spending all this time alone.
(does this make me a recluse?)
of what am I trying to atone?

There goes a small buck sneaking by
gangly as any teenage boy.
I could easily shoot but I don't try.
Merely spotting him brings me joy.

And now another year near made
so I arise prepared to go
as frost forms on hill and glade.
I look around carefully and slow
then proceed to where all love is made:
To home beneath a mistletoe.