The deer again

This morning I looked up and saw the deer in the front yard again, and I am so touched.

He is as calm as can be, and he grazes.

Have you read The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings?  It is one of the best books on earth. When I was teaching school, the eighth graders and I would read it. We would read some of it out loud. When we would read the ending out loud — I would read the ending out loud– there were more than a few tears.

The Yearling is the story of a little boy who leads an isolated life with his mother and father. They survive by the food they grow. A little fawn’s mother died, and the son begs his parents to let him feed the fawn and keep him for a pet. I believe the son’s name is Jody. I know the deer’s name is Flag, named so because of his tail.

And so begins a great love story.

May God keep this deer who comes to my yard safe.

Posted by Gloria on November 9th, 2009 under these topics
Pets, Godwriting Journal
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5 Replies

Reply from Lynda Hallett on November 10, 2009

Gloria, he comes to your home because he knows he is safe. And loved. He has no fear, and why would he?

Reply from Pam (fortheloveofGodde) on November 11, 2009

I did read The Yearling, but perhaps it was too early in childhood as I certainly do not have the fond memories of it that you do. I found it tooooo sad. The ending was so depressing and I was so sad for the boy and the deer and so angry at the father for being so harsh.

THIS deer, I know, will not meet the same sad fate grazing in your yard. Your gardens are open to all.

Reply from Gloria on November 11, 2009

Ah, Pam. No question about the sadness of the story.

How I wish you could have been in the class. I don’t see the father as harsh. He had a most difficult decision to make, and he made it. I don’t know what else he could have done.

I remember what the father said to his son: You take it for your share, and you go on.

Loving you,

Gloria

Reply from Pam (fortheloveofGodde) on November 12, 2009

Well, yes, NOW as an adult, I see the father’s point. As a child, I only saw the point of the deer.

Reply from Gloria on November 12, 2009

Beloved Pam, the innocent deer. I do understand. Now and then (of course I only read the book as an adult) I related most to the boy.

Loving you,

Gloria

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