The November War, Poetry by Kathy Figueroa

Genre: Animals*, Dark, Deer*, Hunting*, Peace*

The November War
by Kathy Figueroa

Huddled together at the side of the road
They were refugees in flight
Frozen for a moment, for all time
In the glare of the bright headlight

Four, leaning against each other
Paused, on their desperate run
As they sought shelter
From the dog and the gun

Trepidation and sheer terror
Could be seen in their eyes
And that awful knowledge
Of how their kind dies

Their days were numbered
Maybe hours remained
Not much more
As they tried to escape
The November war

Could they sleep or even rest?
Would they have the strength to fight?
Or would their legs fail
From exhaustion and fright?

If only there was somewhere to stay
By a house, or on a farm
A shelter, refuge, or sanctuary
Where they’d be spared from harm

But, anywhere they hid
Unleashed dogs would…