Leave Your Fawn – Stella Howard

I tell you, doe, to leave your little fawn
She cannot be covered with your scent
Both of you are safer when you’re gone

For a carnivore with starved intent
Sniffing for the next meal to be found
On the taste of venison he’s bent

Let her press herself against the ground
Curled and low so as not to be seen
Caution her to never make a sound

Dappled red against the high grass green
Invisible to dichromatic eyes
Even to the hungry one so keen

Some babies have the luxury of cries
While you roam you must teach her to stay
Motionless under the trees she lies

While she is little you have to keep away
Don’t let her smell too much like you, too much like prey