The Lonely Stag

• Eugene Tunney

I woke up one morning, as if divinely, And walked through the woods I saw in my dream.

The silver stream was there to welcome me And I followed its lucid flow Into a world unknown.

TURN BACK! TURN BACK! The ravens screamed. But the river continued to usher me.

Deeper and deeper we went Until the sun could no longer spy on me Through the crowded leaves.

There the river abandoned me. In this ring of mossy trees. I trudged upon their sacred ground And heard a rustling abound.

I turned to face the gentle beast, His antlers turning As he examined me.

O what resemblance I bear to thee, Lonely stag on a walk like me. He seemed to nod as he—

But then the ravens crashed through the crowded trees. I looked up to see them circle me Proclaiming it was time to leave.

I returned my gaze to the pensive stag. He was already gone.