(All images taken by Leila)
The Deer are watching me
Marking my ways and taking notes
I have no idea what the game is (up to)
Am I good or bad by rote?
The Does and Fawns graze in silence
But I am up on their tricks
I am the subject of their science
Chloroform and needle sticks
The Elk are few in comparison
But they have a stake
Has the world had its fill of venison?
Are they done with being steak?
Yes, the Deer are watching me
From the woods they have come
The Deer have won the majority
Tis my turn to sniff, twitch and run
Saragun Springs 
Leila
WOW!
This is a brilliant and haunting piece!
And an utterly original use of the interchange and interface between image and word in our time.
This has an ancient feel, but is also as new as the news of tomorrow.
This takes the common materials of the internet and transforms them into ART, all caps.
I was originally taken in by the first deer pic because the animal is so tense, alert, muscular, and watching.
Then the words drew my soul in even further.
And the haunting tension and suspense continue all the way through, never missing a beat.
Part picture/s, part poem, part music, part story, part reflection on the state of the world, part prophecy, part warning, part mystery, part celebration, and much more, all utterly, enviably original.
This really does manage to achieve a tense, prophetic feel….and it shows that in our time art is a kind of prophecy, as it was for the original Merlin and his sister Gwedryn, the nature poets…
WOW!
D
PS
I urge all who read this piece today to read it many times…it will sink into you and change something…
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Hi Dale
Thank you! I am currently at my yearly optometrist. I truly appreciate your comments! Wait till you see Christopher’s images, I will forward his email to you so you can.
Also, I swear the Deer are up to something. I could have takens scores of pictures this spring and summer. It used to be a thing to see one, but not anymore.
I love Deer! Just in case any are reading.
Leila
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Hi Dale
Meant to add that ever since COVID the animals have really become active in making more of themselves. They are far more aware because not a single critter or group failed to sense me, they were all already staring at me long before I saw them. One Fawn actually followed me up the sidewalk, for about ten yards, before rejoining mom. Probably on a dare.
Thanks again!
Leila
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Leila – Yes this is deer country. We see them by Iron Mountain (years ago produced ore for the smelter by the Willamette). One ran into a car and kept going.
Have not seen coyotes for years, but they are probably still around.
Have seen large elk herds around the coast.
No cats or rabbits for months.
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Hi Doug
It’s funny you mention Rabbits. Had one basically run across my feet the other day and the hopper was long gone before I could pull my phone out to snap it. He/she was a big Jackrabbit looking creature who did not resemble your basic pet store Bunny.
Happy September!
Leila
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