Mask of Stillness

Within a morning’s mist
two deer silhouettes

are afraid to shiver
or wave tails, betraying
their fearfulness

then an early am glare
exposes their hiding.

Hunters lurk anxiously
as shadows remove

rifles at rest, admiring
beauty of wild game

once thought of as
a slice of steak on plates.

Cameras can now replace
weapons of turmoil

pictures to carefully share
of peace in this space

and feasting eyes view
until the deer depart.

© Richard L. Provencher