Were Deer Predators

were deer predators,
what would be the fate of hunters trapped alone in the woods?
with naught but their gun and bright orange hats
camouflaged against the trees or their stands

you think you've gotten lucky, a doe passing by you
it may not be hunting season yet, but? no one will know
you raise your barrel, take aim, shoot
but you miss, and now she stares right through you

snarling and baring her teeth,
what is your fate, trapped alone in the woods with a doe?

god forbid you miss and are unfortunate enough to be paces away from a buck,
rack big enough to count to twelve
and you miss your shot and he turns towards you
and suddenly, the prey is you

charging, antlers headed for your skull
what is your fate, trapped alone in the woods with a buck?

or a herd. i'd hope someone is looking after you above
and i pray you don't slip and fall and they realize you're there
deep in the woods in the middle of november
stuck with half a dozen predators

the snow is too deep in a new york winter for you to run
what is your fate, trapped alone in the woods?