Ron LaClair is a traditional archery icon in the U.S.A. He is especially famous for pioneering the ultra-short hybrid longbows known as Shrew Bows. Recognized as the father of smooth yet fast short longbows and for his target archery and bowhunting successes, he has had a lasting impact on the world of traditional archery.

He is also a gifted poet. He has written many stirring poems and these brilliant ramblings have made him immortal. At many instinctive archery tournaments and lectures, Ron has read his poems and stories and they always cast a spell over the audience.

Today Ron is well over 80 years old and shares his feelings about his personal aging process in the following poem.

About 2 weeks ago Ron sent us his poem that deals perfectly with the topic.

Here it is,  a poem about the life of an older aging hunter!

The years went by and before I knew it
My youth was gone, I lived right through it
My youthful shine and unwrinkled skin
would never be my look again

Color has gone from my hair
as white and gray took over there
I'm a little bent no longer tall
I walk with a cane so I won't fall

gone are those days of yesteryear
when legs carried me like a running deer
My eyes could see for a mile or more
muscles never tired, they never got sore

physical strength of those early years
is waning, now replaced by fears
Fear of losing what once was me
Fear of not being what I use to be

I don't believe that all is lost
Old Father time has taken his cost
those lines and wrinkles on my skin
are maps of battles fought hard to win

My body is old and wearing out
but my mind is clear and my heart is stout
The woods and streams still call to me
My spirit will answer the call to be free

The love of the woods still dwells in me
as long as there's breath that's how it will be
when time here is over and the Lord calls me home
I hope he's got room for an old hunter to roam

Ron LaClair