Two deer, sunset
except it’s fire
wild in the western sky
trees and homes succumb
Two deer, motionless
the fear as astringent in the nostrils
as the smoke
what to do, what to do
Two deer, turn, run
flying embers at their heels
the cement of Los Angeles
becomes their refuge
Two deer, at rest
beside the fountain
at Gloria Molina Grand Park
droplets brush clear the ashes
from their russet pelts
Two deer, sunset
Michele Rule
