The doe steps out of the woods
Sees me then stops
And watches
I stop and wave her forward
As if deer knew “go” signs
And I watch
The doe steps across the path
Stares me down
And waits
I think—You are safe—
(As if deer can read minds)
And I wait
The doe’s white tail twitches
And out steps her fawn
And I watch the spotted child
Play-prance on the path
Nuzzle its tender mother
Their shuddery bodies wed
And they vanish