The yearling

Ever see that old Gregory Peck tear-jerker about the little kid and the fawn? Well, if you haven't, you can just look at these pictures and read about the young deer visiting our backyard in New Jersey -- not exactly the Everglades, not exactly high melodrama, but from the deer's perspective there was survival at stake. More on this intimate encounter, in words and images, at blog.amynelsonhahn.info

The visitor

Like brushstrokes come to life,
the signal ravages of your fur
lift up and point
the way to food; here and there
they range about your mangy form
but only serve to show you plucky
and so much the pattern
for this time of year, for your kind --
nothing breaks your stride but
subtle noises (disliking disturbances)
and the need to feed placidly,
unguardedly, your deep tobacco eyes
lowered gently, your soft merlot nose
scenting -- nothing for once but peace
to feed at least for a moment, you dignitary
of the forest, daughter of the hinds,
a year in the world, in the woods.
Copyright (c) 2012 Amy Nelson Hahn

view with images P40800086, P40800084, P40800089, P40800092, and P40800083  from photos.amynelsonhahn.info or visit blog.amynelsonhahn.info