Fawn

I’m staring at it. 

It rests peacefully, far from my possession. 

Naively unaware of the harm that is poised on my hands. 

I point to it.  

I try to aim, but my hands,  

impatient,  

quiver  

and fight against muscle memory. 

My body shifts every 5 seconds,  

unable to be still, 

and then born from the silence 

a soft crunch is heard as my feet step on some leaves. 

Now, it acknowledges me. 

As I approach it, it looks at me innocently.  

And it’s the first time  

I  

Really  

look at it.  

Its head shift to the side  

And now its soft gaze is filled with 

Curiosity. 

Boldly, in front was its essence. 

Oblivious 

To the rule of time and its cruel way of prolonging death. 

Its tender gaze holds no thought behind it.  

Light brown fur with white patches, 

It barely had its first breath. 

It probably just learned how to stand. 

But still I’m aiming at it, 

This time with mercy, 

because I know how the world works. 

I know what happens when things are left  

Too long and yearn freely. 

So, I do what I must 

Because I am a gracious protector  

And even though it hurts me to snuff out  

warmth I have not felt in ages, 

I will always shoot.