There was a taint in the air

The bittersweat scent of decay

Mother Nature blushed

Before shedding her summer coat

 

There was an oily smell to the air

The rhythmic clash of steel on stone

A man long past the rose of youth

Stroked a well worn blade

 

Enriched urine perfumed the air

The angered slash of antler to brush

The proud male, best of his kind

Strutted for all to see

 

The smell of female was in the air

The scent long waited for

He sported with one, then another

His lineage was ensured

 

There was a smell in the air

Of death and blood and raw meat

The hand with the blade was deft

The creased face was alive.