Startling, water snake on lake,
illuminated above and below,
cast golden shadow ripples while
traveling to shore.
Three deer grazing in hollow,
sunlight against green perfected,
engaged in gentle munching,
feast spread before them.
Snake’s swirling colors drew admiration;
further beyond its passage, motor
yacht flaunted in its silver presence
ownership over material realm.
Soundless inhabitants on protective ground,
deer reached for plentiful leaves.
Around small birds chorused,
attendant on these ancient ones.
When the snake reached land,
vanished as if never was.
In hole, miserable, tight
hoarded against life’s shrinkage.
As cat’s ashes scattered,
deer burst from neighbor’s thicket;
standing upon path above
its presence bridged gap
between thin stretched existence,
abundant life in all fullness.
Snake, teacher of single vision;
deer, liberator into inherent imagination.
© Phil Kemp 2026
