For those who rely on nature’s bounty,
long winters spell hardship
with frozen letters, fields of Scrabble.
Feet too tired to scratch the surface
will falter, flounder,
find greener pastures too intangible a profit,
and lie where they fall,
compost.
*
This winter has been a difficult one for the large herds of whitetail deer which wander our area. Too run-down to hold out for spring, they are dying off in large numbers, weakened and diseased…This doe looks to be healthy – but healthy enough to give birth in a few months? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, Melody Muses... 
Poor creatures. That is so harsh.
It is. This winter has been hard on more than just the humans! 😦
How very sad, Mel.
The herds seem to fluctuate wildly in their natural cycle – a few years ago, there were so many of the critters that they were becoming a problem. This year has been very hard on them, that’s for sure…
My goodness.
I am praying for them. It is already green here and the deer love it….hope Spring arrives quickly for you….
Aw, thank you! It should be green here, too. The forecast says quite warm by the weekend!
this pulls at the heartstrings, it’s hard
It’s really too bad. A few years ago, the herds were so large, they were becoming a nuisance. I’m not sure what the population would be right now…
hesitated to hit the “like” button 😦
I know what you mean…
This weather really isn’t helping the cycle of life in nature. Poor does – Hope she makes it through the rest of the season ok.
I do, too! There are still a lot of them around, but this was a tough season for them…
not a good prospect for anyone or thing. So sorry dear.
It’s sad – but put into perspective, isn’t the end of the world! What you deal with daily is much more difficult, for example. Hope you are well this day, Debbie!
thank you kindly friend ~ Perspective helps but the moment counts, too. xo
Love that! 🙂
We know when our winter has been hard when the deer come up into our neighborhood and we see them in the early morning hours, nibbling on bushes and what not. Thank you for sharing about what is happening there!
It’s been hard on the creatures. I don’t like it when my bushes get nibbled – but in a case of starvation? I’d rather lose a nip or two here and there…