Dawn Deer

He walked into your yard unafraid
leaving the cover of the woods behind
like a robe no longer needed
in the blanketing warmth of midmorning.
From the forest he smelled the grass
and came to feed on the flaming green.

You watched him from your run-down house.
His pelt was a rolling hill of muscled fur
spilling sun into the hedges of your mind.
His eyes awakened your dreams.
As sleep fell from your shoulders
his shining body leaped into your joy.


—Eric Nelson