Little Fawn

Little fawn, drink the streams’ crystal blue,
eat the forests’ lush green,
play with the playful meadow fairies;
care not of us upright things—
we are a long way from knowing your innocence.

Little fawn, saunter through your world,
know the sun’s gift and the land’s poetry,
love your parents and your friends;
but think not of our scary eyes—
we are mean and know nothing of your love.

Little fawn, it may seem I use trickery against you;
your elders can confirm the ways of my species.
But little fawn, know one thing:
I feign their wants and their needs,
I feign everything about them.

Truth, I am a trader, a green-hearted outlaw;
selling comfort for beauty, greed for experience.
And after I lay these words out for you to see,
I will continue to watch and love you—


            Defying all that is wrong with me
            to know a bit of all that is right with you.


By Jason Sturner

flowerpetalsonthecreek@yahoo.com

www.jasonsturner.blogspot.com

Jason Sturner was born in Harvey, Illinois, and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. He is a member of the Illinois State Poetry Society and has published four books of poetry: Kairos, 10 Love Poems, Selected Poems 2004-2007 and Collected Poems (all available as free downloads; see website). In addition to poetry he writes short stories of psychological horror and the supernatural. He resides in Wheaton, Illinois and works as a botanist at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. Website: www.jasonsturner.blogspot.com