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The Deer

John Yotko

I had done this may times before, but this time it was different
I scrubbed my skin to conceal my scent, grabbed my gear
Dressed in camouflage, I took up my position just off the trail
I was leaning back against a tree waiting for sunrise

In the cool autumn breeze I listened to the sounds of the woods,
I listened for deer, a fox walked by and didn’t see me, a good sign
The sun rose, a few doe walked by, I knew a buck should be following
Coming up out of the ravine I heard the sound of a single deer

The deer came into view, I pressed the stock to my shoulder
Looking through the lens, I studied the buck facing toward me
A nice 10 point, its face was brown with a broad white chest
still young it hadn’t yet learned to be cautious

It turned on the trail, a perfect shot, I centered it in the frame
Remembering the rule of thirds, I adjusted my aim
I squeezed the trigger, heard the click and whir as the shutter
Opened, closed and the film advanced to the next frame

The buck heard it too, watched as I lowered my camera
Slowly it approached, cautiously lowered its face to mine
I held my breath as its studied me, moving closer
It stopped its nose almost touching mine... its eyes

Its eyes were staring at mine just six inches away
possibly catching an image of me, what did it see
What did it think as it turned, what will it remember
It walked a few steps, sniffed the air and turned toward the doe

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