Winter Crossing

In the shadows past the headlights,

he crossed the lane with cautious grace.

I stopped the car for, as we know,

where one is seen another goes

—yet only one would pass this night.

I had such perfect line of sight:

he paused midway across the road,

then turned so I could see his face.

He wore a crown upon his head,

I counted four points, perhaps six.

He moved with purpose to his right,

and so I turned to watch him go.

He disappeared into the copse.

The only sign he left behind?

 His darkened hoof-prints in the snow.

© Ginny Brannan 2019

True story, driving home from work early Sunday evening 12/8/19. What a beautiful creature he was, too!!

Image Credit NatureExposure.com Bucks in Winter “Winter Eyes” by Timothy Flannigan