A Little Wilderness

Odes to Animals

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Encounters with Deer

I have had encounters with deer in my time.
The feeling is rare and sublime.
Pious creatures in the elegant wild,
They are a good and gentle kind.

With eyes that tear and hearts gone blind
Stag and doe remind us,
Animals are the better find.

If you pass them on your way
In quiet woods
At break of day,

Gaze in solemn reverie.

Ask them, please
Take me with you.

Among your herd,
keep me free.

The Rabbits of Briarpark

If it is you wake up blue
I know just the thing to do.
Put on your coat and mittens too,
Head to the park instead of the zoo.

The rabbits rise early
Before winter’s bright dawn.
Tread carefully,
Soon they’ll be gone.

You will find them under trees
Amidst tall grass and dew.
Feel them strange in the dark
Looking wildly back at you.

Such peculiar creatures prairie rabbits are.
To come to Briarpark,
They travel long and far.

From hunger or for shelter
I cannot truly say.
Only that, meeting them
Will glorify your day.