river of kindness
note to self

you know this—
kindness is the way
the only way for you

the deer strips
the little apple tree
of many branches
for a moment, you
contemplate venison
stew—catch yourself
blush

there is no vendetta
they are doing what
deer do
remember—
be a river of kindness

and erect a stronger
fence to shield the tree

2022 ©Amrita Skye Blaine
I’m writing a poem a day. These are drafts—not final versions.