Broken Doe Poem by William Coyne

Among dead leaves and scattered branches
the broken doe lies panting in the breeze,
long forsaking its struggle to rise and run,
quietly awaits nature's final decrees.

The fawn scampers playfully near her side,
filled with new life, chasing birds as they fly,
not knowing the fleeting way of their lives
shall soon fall on both and darken the sky.

As her last breath leaves, the doe's eyes stare
at the newborn deer she must leave behind,
the calf having done its frolic and care
nestles to sleep by the broken doe's chin.