THE DOE AND I

THE DOE AND I

Gazing in amazement at the small and frightened doe,
I was overcome with recognition; she was so familiar.
As she timidly scampered by, I felt a loving kinship,
it dawned on me that it was my actions that were similar.

She was finding safety in the denseness of the forrest,
exactly as I sought safety in the boundaries of my home.
Both of us timid about the safety and sequence of our 

future, equally we searched for a safe and protected 

location to roam.

When I observed the alarm and fright in that pretty little 

face, I realized that through survival the little doe had 

learned fear. How my heart agonized as I struggled to try 

and comprehend, the specific reasons the doe would not allow 

or tolerate me near.

Then I realized the doe was defending and  protecting herself,
secure in her own habitat, but frightened by anything new or 

strange. She may have been previously frightened by uncaring 

people, she is rightfully alarmed and suspiscious of any 

unexpected change.

The doe must have been given reason to be cautious and 

distrusting. Someone must have previously inflicted her with 

alarm or fear. So she had to learn how to adequately survive 

in a brutal world. And her skittishness was a safe way to 

avoid future mistreatment.

I wanted to reach out and teach the little doe about security 

and trust. I wanted so badly for her to take a baby step out 

of the protective trees. Could she eventually be taught about 

a trustworthy outstretched hand? Would she then be able to 

triumph over all the new things she sees?

by: Warsawa
    3-25-96