The Narrow Escape
The Lynx and the Hare
Sparkling in the afternoon light, the brittle snow crackled and snapped as I walked through the little wood behind the hunting cabin. Crouching when I reached the edge of a white covered field, I scanned its dimpled surface in hopes that the trail I followed would lead to an opportunity to try out my new rifle.
When I noticed a promising outline near the field’s edge, I lifted my weapon. Through the scope, I could see a snowshoe hare camouflaged by a narrow depression, sitting as still as the grave.
I whispered “Gotcha,” as I braced my rifle and lined him up in my sights.
Breathing in, I paused for a couple seconds and carefully exhaled, steadying my rifle and beginning to slowly squeeze the trigger.
As the hare’s eye suddenly widened in terror, I loosened the trigger pressure before he erupted from the depression, a pouncing lynx suddenly appearing in my sights.
Jerking with surprise, I jammed the scope into my eye before lowering the rifle with a curse and gaping as the lynx raced after its prey, the hare's enormous back paws scattering bits of snow as it zigged and zagged to elude its fleet-footed foe.
But as quickly as it began, the hare disappeared beneath some brush, the lynx snarling in frustration before shaking the snow out of its paws and trotting swiftly away.
My hands trembling and heart pounding, I shakily ejected the bullet from the chamber. I, rather than the hare, experienced the narrow escape.
About the Creator
John Cox
Twisted teller of mind bending tales. I never met a myth I didn't love or a subject that I couldn't twist out of joint. I have a little something for almost everyone here. Cept AI. Aint got none of that.
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Comments (12)
Happy for the happy ending! Powerful imagery!
What does it do to a soul, this is a thing I have been wondering 🤔
Aha! Now this reminds me of an anecdote from the Zhuangzi, a compilation of writings by Zhuangzi (late fourth century BCE) and others. While out in a chestnut grove aiming to shoot a jay, Zhuangzi was distracted by a cicada carelessly settling in the shade. A mantis devoured the insect before it was, in turn, caught by the jay. Unsettled by the natural cycle of one species preying on the next, Zhuangzi decided not to shoot the jay. The tale has been turned into a pithy saying about the circle of life: “As the mantis catches the cicada, the jay is just behind.”
Awww, the poor lynx is now gonna be hungry but I'm so glad the hare is safe! Loved your story!
This line " sitting as still as the grave" was like so well done. Watching animals be that still is weird to me! Loved this!
This has a very soulful feel to it, a discovery of ones self. I liked how you portrayed the thoughts. Then you bring it together with your final line.
A happy ending for all but the lynx.
Ah, another wonderful story, John! I love that the shooter thought twice, we all come into this world and expect happiness, and left the hare to providence.
Great story! I am glad he didn't shoot the hare. I'm glad the hare was able to hide, but I'm sorry the lynx missed its meal. I can see it snarl and the snow flying in the chase. The predators have to eat, but I don't want to see them kill it.
Wow! I was so excited for the hare while reading!! Amazing story🥰
Great story. The surprise of the lynx amd your ending line brings it to its conclusion brilliantly. I loved this, John. It reminded me of when we lived in Calgary and we had a bobcat stalking a squirrel. It was perched, the squirrel, at the very top of a tree for what seemed like hours, while the bobcat sat patiently on the fence below. To see a predator up close and watch nature in action was just incredible. A real treat.
But what a sight to behold, the flight of the hare & the lynx.