Roadside

The littlest fawn pranced and twirled,

cheerfully unconcerned with the ferocious traffic and her mother’s nudges.

The bigger fawn bounded ahead, exploring crannies,

before bouncing back, full of vigor.

Another headlight passed, and he danced forward along the roadside again.

The doe trod gently onward- patient, weary, watchful;

neither entirely oblivious nor overtly fearful

about the oncoming din of each passing car.

The cars sped past- indifferent, loud, bright, unending.

The fawns cavorted- innocent, free, cheerful.

The doe, protective, vigilant and loving,

flicked her ears, shook her head and nudged at her young,

urging them homeward in the twilight.

We are one, she and I.