Deer at the Edge of Dawn

Surprised as though I were the sun An hour ahead of dawn, Two small deer drinking at a stream Looked up, and plunged head on

Into a thicker ledge of leaves Than I had parted there, Making green music in the forest. Through the early air

They leapt in rhythms I could hear For many acres’ space Until each twig snapped back again, Each leaf regained its place.

I stood bewildered for a time Half as frightened as they, But this I knew: the delicate Green music of that day

Plunging forward, folding back In spears of trembling light Would haunt the forests of my sleep Many a moonless night.