The November War, Poetry by Kathy Figueroa

Genre: Animals*, Dark, Deer*, Hunting*, Peace*

The November War
by Kathy Figueroa

Huddled together at the side of the road
They were refugees in flight
Frozen for a moment, for all time
In the glare of the bright headlight

Four, leaning against each other
Paused, on their desperate run
As they sought shelter
From the dog and the gun

Trepidation and sheer terror
Could be seen in their eyes
And that awful knowledge
Of how their kind dies

Their days were numbered
Maybe hours remained
Not much more
As they tried to escape
The November war

Could they sleep or even rest?
Would they have the strength to fight?
Or would their legs fail
From exhaustion and fright?

If only there was somewhere to stay
By a house, or on a farm
A shelter, refuge, or sanctuary
Where they’d be spared from harm

But, anywhere they hid
Unleashed dogs would find them
And, immediately, give chase
To the waiting guns of men
Who lacked mercy and grace

Did they silently cry out to humankind
As, near men’s homes, they stood
And plead to be allowed to return
To their place in the wild wood?

Do they face the houses of men
Like men turn their faces to the sky
To ask a higher power
For mercy and a reason why
They must endure such times
Of misery and strife?

And do they ask that higher power
To spare a humble life?

An elderly friend told me a story
About her history
She and her family were captured
Long ago, in another country

They were moved to an enclosure
With an open gate
But no one ventured out
Because they knew what lay in wait

Though it was Christmas Eve
No one dared to run
Because the men were waiting
With the dog and the gun

When I saw those frightened deer
That evening so dark and cold
I remembered my friend
And the story she told

Those images have never left me
So, now, I write this poem
And hope one day
All inhabitants of Earth
Will share, in peace
This planet we call home

* * * * *

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