Watchers in the Woods

Under trees, mushroom-moist air lingered,
Movement in the murk revealed two watchers:
Roe deer lifted heads and skittered in gloom.

In stretching shadows, we held our spots, slowed
Our breaths. Watching, deciding our next moves.
Fawn moved to mother – comfort, connection

Both so delicate, I paused, sure a shift
Would send them tripping in decaying scrub
Snapping graceful slender thoroughbred legs.

Birds called again and still we stood, heads up.
Russet-smooth coats, leaf-dappled, ears fine-tuned.
They took a step on ballerina toes,
At first stiff-legged, then grazing as they went.
We travelled the woods on parallel paths.

Brush barred us from full view, letting them keep
Their offended-cat pretence of not spotting me,
Until they passed from sight.

Had they watched, deciding to ask me in,
As I was finally leaving?