A frisky family of deer galavant on past my window as I watch the clouds deepen their sunset reddened rippling. Okay, so it's just the baby deer that are galavanting. The moms are more sedate, more alert. Afraid.

I wish often I could tell them they have nothing to fear from me. I imagine myself being able to simply say, "You are safe here" and have them believe it. This thought is immediately followed by another: the moment they trust, the moment they die. Hunters live across the street, and you better believe they want to say, "You are safe here", as they aim.

So, stay afraid deer. Protect your children. Teach them to fear.

And yeah, this post ain't really about wildlife.