“Once Upon a Gun”
Guest Poem by Jeannette Louise Smith
Jeannette Louise Smith is dedicated to making a positive impact to improve the reciprocal relationship between humans, non-human animals, and the Earth.
As the Volunteer Founder of No Killing Deer in Arlington, she opposes the outdated, ineffective, and inhumane selective slaughter of deer to control deer populations.
She advocates for successfully proven, science-based, humane policies that respect and protect deer, humans, and entire ecosystems.
To preserve and protect our oneness with deer and their right to live free from harm in their natural habitat, Jeannette promotes compassion and peaceful coexistence with deer.
Website: No Killing Deer in Arlington
LinkedIn: Jeannette Louise Smith
FULL POEM
Once Upon a Gun
Dusk leisurely unveils
a perpetual scene
on Earth’s snowy soil
peaceful, serene
Within the heart of
The Sacred Forest
Nature’s gem unfurls
from placid repose
Deer stand, stretch
Deer wander, forage
tails swish soft, content
As stars bloom above
flicker and dazzle the night
Below in the Dark
high on a platform, unseen
a Demonic Deception
unleashes
Terror - Flight!
Deer Life Shatters
Haunted Deer Bark!
Alert High Staccato
Panting - Panic!
One Deer,
Flesh pierced
Pain
jumps - lurches - dashes
bolts one hundred yards
A Glaring Wake
Deer’s Life Blood
drops on twigs
spatters wet leaves
a frantic smear on a tree
THUD!
The Suffering Deer
eyes dilate, glaze
lungs cease to respire
Death Stains Surround
Our Wondrous Deer
twitches
alone
Dead on pearly ground
Midst quiet resumed
a Final Lament
penetrates, punctuates
Tragedy:
A Forlorn Fawn
Bleats, bleats, bleats…
Once Upon a Gun,
The Scope of killing has begun.
Once Upon a Gun,
Triggers
The End of Life
The Obliteration of The Sun.