Sh Did You Hear That

I hesitate to get my cool clean drink this morning.
Something is different. The cold air is the same.
The water is still, I do not sense danger. 
There is a lack of sameness however.

I look at my brother and shake my head as he
Starts for the water. He hesitates, his ears come up.
He is listening. I realize for the first time how many points he has.
I had another brother with points like that. Proud, until he was not.

He paws at the ground and gives a rough cough.
I give him a sharp glance. He looks down, shyly.
Not as proud, and I feel ashamed of myself.
He is my little brother. Do I dare let him go first?

The last time I did that, I lost a brother.
With a cough, I let him know I will go first.
Something is wrong; not danger, but something.
Man? I am not sure. If man, a young one.

I step out and take a cool drink. Put my head up.
Sh! Did you hear that?
A loud noise crashes through the meadow.
A searing pain goes through me.

The last thing I see before my eyes close
Is my brother's white tail as he hops over the fence
Back toward the safety of the trees. He does not look back.
I smile, knowing I saved at least one of my brothers.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

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Rose  Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 7:57 PM
Wish we were kinder to our deer, they are such sensitive beautiful creatures, thank you for sharing them in a beautiful light
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 9:50 PM
I adore the deer.
Vangaveti Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 9:43 AM
Touching.. Good one Caren.
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 10:01 AM
I love deer; they are my power animals.
White Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 8:26 AM
I love this. So beautiful but sad. Well done
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 10:02 AM
Thank you. I never did completely get "over" Bambi's mother's death.
Kiser Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 7:52 AM
Whew! That was close. Great personification.
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 10:02 AM
Thank you. I love deer! They are my power animal, and they adore me also.
Kerttula Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 7:45 AM
I have the same comment about the perspective of the deer. We all should think that way once and awhile. It would create more caring. Thanks for sharing this poem. I enjoy your work.
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 10:03 AM
My father was an avid hunter and trapper. I loved him, but not what he did there.
Hyde Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 7:31 AM
I love the perspective of the deer; very clever (en-deering perhaps? LOL)
Krutsinger Avatar
February 4, 2019 at 10:03 AM
Kim, I like the "en-deering" word. I may use this and make a poem.
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