I saw the Deer in the haze of morning
Its head down as it grazed about
I saw the Deer with mist swirling
Around its antlers as it came about
~
“Did you shoot it?”
The hunter asked me earnest
No, for I did not have a gun
“Why would you not?”
The hunter asked me earnest
Cause it reminds me of the Son
~
I saw the Deer in the gloom of eve
Its white coat rare in the patches of night
I saw the Deer within the shade of the trees
Stealing by my kitchen window’s light
~
“Did you shoot it?”
The photographer wonders
No, for I did not have my phone
“Why would you not?”
The photographer wonders
Cause this image was for me alone
~
I saw the Deer standing in the stream
Panting for water so crisp and clear
I saw the Deer, and it would seem
It saw me as I drew so near
~
“Did you shoot me?”
The Deer asks out loud
No, for I did not think I could
“Why would this be?”
The Deer asks out loud
For it would steal beauty from the wood
~
I saw the Deer walking away
To go where it would and will
I saw the Deer that beautiful day
And that day lives with me still
I don’t have a paywall or paid content. But if you are enjoying this writing, consider
I grew up within a hunting family, and still do hunt to this day with my dad. I was taught great respect for animals and why and how to hunt. We never hunt for sport or allow waste. Anything killed was to go in the freezer, helping provide for the year. I’ll not forget the lessons I’ve learned about respecting the beauty of creation and holding with reverence what God has made.
I also think much is lost in creation’s beauty when it is captured on film. There is obviously much value to seeing photos of majestic moments — as evidenced by the very photo I provided, I truly love and am in awe of that capture. But it is a different type of beauty that the photo provides, and there is specific beauty in experiencing the mystery of a moment in creation, then it living in your heart and mind as well, just for you and God.
I pray this month you might experience some secret beauty from creation that is treasured in your heart.
Love this!