The Fields of Play! (Article/ story)

[LoneBeagle]

Work is in full swing, but felt like writing. Hope you enjoy!

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The Fields of Play!

As the sun lazily crawls above the cusp of the horizon, the dark sky fades to a beautiful pearl blue. The early morning fog has lifted and the dew is still wet on the grass. Looking out the windshield, the hunter finishes his coffee and waits. The hay meadow has been cleared of its fodder; the large round hay bales line the barbed wire fence in the distance and disappear behind the small grove of trees. The leaves have just begun to turn brown, as the air has become crisper with each passing day. The smell of fall prances across the field with the light breeze! The hunter and his hounds have been waiting for this moment for months.

Within a few minutes, several trucks gather in the driveway of the meadow. Smiles are plastered on each face as friends come together again for one more season. Two newcomers are welcomed into the group with handshakes and smiles. The usual questioning takes place, and with each properly welcomed, the conversation is light. Humor is abundant. Slowly each man pauses to take a long look at the scene in front of him. Each solemn, taking in all there is. They allow themselves to be consumed by the scene, drawn in as just another piece of the puzzle. In response, nature kindly greets the hunters as one of the old friends joining the group, as if saying, “Gentlemen, welcome back to your field of play!”

As you, and your hounds, take your place in the field, be aware of the expectations. Each time out is about the hounds, the hunt, and the friendships. All are out here because they get giddy as the hounds light up the airwaves with their music. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve watched groups come together and hunters find their place in the world of hounds. Whether at a field trial, bringing home supper, or anything in between, we all find common ground in our hounds. We respect each hound for his or her place in our race. We appreciate the joy each hunter and hound brings to our party. This message resonates now in the low voice of an old hunter: “Son you must respect all there is in the field of play. Respect the hounds. Respect the men who raise and care for those hounds because they take great pride in them. Do not critique them or handle them without being asked to do so. Above all else, respect the fields you play in. Preserve them for your kids, as I have done for you…”

After several hours, the hunt will come to an end. The hounds will leave tired, the hunters will leave satisfied, and the sun will set on this day. However, the respect for hunter and hounds will forever be a part of our field of play. Regardless of what walk of life you come from, the type or condition of your vehicle, or the amount in your bank account, every hunter and hound has their place on the field of play.

[Bunny Run Beagles]

Thank you for sharing your writings!

[Richie57]

You have a talent here that would be great for sharing beyond just the forum. Very nice.