the Hunter and the Deer

(a tribute to my friend Joelle who taught me about "cracking twigs")

the Deer stood silently
having spotted the Hunter in the distance

the Deer stepped out from its hiding place
to get a better glimpse of the Hunter

having failed thus far to make its presence known to the Hunter,
the Deer presently cracked a few twigs beneath its hooves.

now, the Hunter, having spotted its prey
raised his bow to shoot.

the Deer took rapid shortened breaths,
pondering its next move.

should the Deer stay put,
it'd be pierced by the Hunter's arrow and bound to him.

should the Deer dart away,
it'd be free from the grasp of the Hunter to roam freely.

only, one regret tainted the deliberation of the Deer:
would that the Hunter revel in sharing the same frame of space for a time.
would that that be enough.

would that be enough?
for the Hunter?
for the Deer?