The Pathfinder
by Gary Olsen
As if from a bygone era, He seemed to you and me.
If born a hundred years ago, A mountain man he'd be.
With a passion for the wilderness, And a love of nature too.
With ancient skills and craftsmanship, He'd show what he could do.
With materials found in nature, Like wood and flint and feather,
And sinew taken from a moose, And skin tanned into leather,
He'd build the tools of our ancestors, Like arrowheads and bows,
Then demonstrate and educate, With books and archery shows.
He taught me many things, In the short time I was there.
He taught me about caribou, And moose and grizzly bear.
He taught me about the river, And the secrets hiding there.
He taught me about the wilderness, And the wonders it will share.
He walks beside the river now, Along the rocky shore,
Beneath the mountain grandeur, Where the hawks and eagles soar.
The Pathfinder is exploring, The way he loves to do.
Another trail to follow, A new adventure too.
"Tread lightly now Pathfinder. It's near the end of day.
The light is quickly fading, That guides you on your way".
But something now is different. He's traveling alone.
The path he follows now, He must follow on his own.
We cannot go along this time, The way we used to do.
This journey is for him alone, Not friends like me and you.
My heart is filled with sorrow. Why must he go away?
I am so sad to see him go. I wish that he could stay.
"Step carefully Pathfinder. Step carefully on your way.
The path before you darkens, As night takes over day".
A chill descends around me. The sky is cold and gray.
I look out through a veil of gloom, As he slowly fades away.
But soon I feel a warmness. A glow wells up inside.
A deeper understanding, Of a feeling I can't hide.
I soon begin to realize, He's not alone out there.
Someone has come to guide him. Someone has come to share.
What wondrous sights he will perceive. What wonderful songs he'll hear.
All of the pain, he'll leave behind. There'll be nothing left to fear.
Side by side they walk together, To the river of his dreams.
They climb aboard the raft tied there, Beside the tranquil stream.
When the setting sun fades to a glow, Signalling the end of day,
With a gentle push the peaceful raft, Slips silently away.
"Slip silently Pathfinder. Slip silently along.
And listen to the river, As it sings your favorite song.
Slip silently Pathfinder. And make ye not a sound.
As you drift upon the waters, Of your happy hunting ground".
by Gary Olsen 1999
The Pathfinder was Jay Massey (1941 - 1997)
© 2003, bowhunting adventure videos