Deer Dreams

Normally I wouldn't bug all of you more than once a day during busy planting season, but I had to share this moment. I live in a residential area that has a creek and wooded section that is frequented by deer. I've lived here two years now, and today was the first time I had a deer in the yard! Unfortunately, as I approached the deer in an attempt to pet it, it leaped the fence. (I have this thing about trying to pet animals--ask my roommate about the coyote I wanted to pet, or the time I chased an armadillo down the street in Florida while talking on the phone to one of my friends.) In the picture at right, she? is in my neighbor's yard, just out of reach, taunting me with her doe-eyes. Notice how she has aimed her tail end at me, as if to say "kiss my deer behind."

I've always loved deer; several years ago, after reading Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, I thought I'd try my hand at writing a poem for children. I don't think it can actually be called poetry--more like doggerel. Anyway, given the visit today by my little deer friend, I thought I would share it with you.

Deer Dreams

I’d like to catch a deer
but I don’t have any salt.
I’d like to jump a fence
but I never learned to vault.
I’d like to sail a ship
but I don’t know how to steer—

Hey,

I wonder if some ocean salt
could help me catch that deer!