Shadorma

Today’s poem is “Traveling Through the Dark” by William E. Stafford:

*
Traveling through the dark I found a deer
dead on the edge of the Wilson River road.
It is usually best to roll them into the canyon:
that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead.
.
By glow of the tail-light I stumbled back of the car
and stood by the heap, a doe, a recent killing;
she had stiffened already, almost cold.
I dragged her off; she was large in the belly..

My fingers touching her side brought me the reason—
her side was warm; her fawn lay there waiting,
alive, still, never to be born.
Beside that mountain road I hesitated.
.
The car aimed ahead its lowered parking lights;
under the hood purred the steady engine.
I stood in the glare of the warm exhaust turning red;
around our group I could hear the wilderness listen.
.
I thought hard for us all—my only swerving—,
then pushed her over the edge into the river.

Shadorma

head or heart
take the decision
do what's right
take a stand
endure the consequences
you will be stronger

B and P's Shadorma and Beyond
MLMM