Deer Speak

deer speak in their soft chomp of leaves small mandibles squeeze each chlorophyllated morsel to emit high frequency squeaks

you might mistake them for mice but their winter breaths are snowdrifts caught between whispered flakes

to hear deer speak to each other a study of foot falls is necessary sit very still in a wildlife park read a book close your eyes do not try to conquer the knowledge of deer; they know they’ll not come near then

when you are completely absorbed they will enter your field of vision tread to the rhythm of harp chords their legs curving like the front of a lyre

they’ll see you, but don’t look up their odor will enter your nostrils both you and they will tongue air while boundaries within you begin to crack

if you make tiny adagio movements their methodical chewing altered breathing will emit a language known only in your first days

when each beam of light revealed to your eyes a realm of images sounds and textures

deer know this their round dark eyes tell you when deer speak and you listen.