Wounded Buck

plein air process for tracking habitat survival

Two weeks ago on Nextdoor someone posted a buck wandering the street with an arrow in his side.

“Did anyone else see this? Who would do this?” the neighbor wondered.

Two days later in our backyard I felt a watchful presence. I peered into green and convinced myself it was old tree trunk.

Two days after that I was playing by the trampoline with our two-year old housemate Azi when the feeling came over me again. I looked into the forest, slowly scanning. Probably a stump again, I thought? Then the form came into focus: a regal buck was staring at me. Framed by bay laurels; he had a peaceful look on his face.

Lida come outside to be with Azi so I could get a little closer. I started singing, walking a toward him. I tried to communicate: I will not harm you, I love you, I’m kin.

He began to rise revealing wounds on his side where the arrow had been. It was him from the photo. A second injured deer that found their way to sanctuary in the woods behind our home.

He moved slow but didn’t wince in pain. He walked down his path, watching me as I watched him back. Lida and Azi looked on from the trampoline: “Mom, do you wish that was your boyfriend or something?” I laughed with, “Yes, if I were a deer deity, yes!” Lida sensed a connection between us.