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Adelaide Shaw

Détente

a young deer
moving across the lawn
with an easy gait

Up here in the country the deer are plentiful. They are seen at the edge of woods, along the roads, in meadows and on lawns. Being new to the area I enjoy watching them, but am annoyed that they eat my plants.

I am willing to share my land and live side-by-side. A peaceful co-existence. Theirs and mine. To that end, I give them the wooded ravine behind our house. There they can eat until they are satisfied, mate, have babies, live a good life and die of old age.

deer spray in hand—
the promise of lilies
swaying in the breeze