Where Deer Walk Unafraid

by Christopher James

WHERE DEER WALK UNAFRAID

Brother, lay down your burden.

Sister, ease your mind.

Seek out that space where the pavement ends—

sun-bleached and crumbling

with only traces of the white paint

meant to keep you in line.

You know in your heart where it is—

where the deer walk unafraid,

and birds sing with wild abandon.

Follow that siren song.

Whisper of leaves,

rubbing branches,

rattle of cattails—

down low—in the marshy places.

Tighten the straps.

Check your laces.

Set one foot in front of the other

and chase the distant thrumming of water falling from on high.

CHRISTOPHER JAMES

Christopher James is an award-winning poet and author settled in the old, low mountains of Upstate New York. He is a husband and father, an Army veteran, a lover of moss, and an unabashed promoter of second breakfast. For more information please visit his website: christopherjameswrites.com.