The Deer And The Snake

The deer is humble, lovely as God made her

I watch her eyes and think of wonder owned

These strange priests enter the cathedral of woods

And seven Marys clean their hands to woo her

Foot lifted, dagger-sharp—her ears

Poised to their points like a leaf's head

But the snake strikes, in a velvet arc

Of murderous speed—assassin beautiful

As mountain water at which a fawn drank

Stand there, forever, while poison works

While I stand counting the arms of your Cross

Thinking that many Christs could hang there, crying.