Out in the forest,
Bitterly cold,
Ice beneath my feet,
And ice in my soul.

It was clear from his manner
Truth was not forthcoming,
In my usual plumply way,
I told him what I thought.

His breath showing plain
In the frigid cold air
His hesitation gave it away.
I knew then what his game was.

The deer came in sight,
The hunter reacted,
It fell in a clump of pines,
Right near the water.

Later by the fire's warm glow,
The scent of blood and wood mixed,
Thinking about secrets revealed.
And feeling like the deer.

Laura R
1-24-03