Traveling through the dark I found a deer
dead on the edge of the Wilson River road.
It is usually best to roll them into the canyon:
that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead.
By glow of the tail-light I stumbled back of the car
and stood by the heap, a doe, a recent killing;
she had stiffened already, almost cold.
I dragged her off; she was large in the belly.
My fingers touching her side brought me the reason–
her side was warm; her fawn lay there waiting,
alive, still, never to be born.
Beside that mountain road I hesitated.
The car aimed ahead its lowered parking lights;
under the hood purred the steady engine.
I stood in the glare of the warm exhaust turning red;
around our group I could hear the wilderness listen.
I thought hard for us all–my only swerving–,
then pushed her over the edge into the river.
“Traveling Through the Dark” by William Stafford, from Ask Me: 100 Essential Poems of William Stafford, Graywolf Press.
Words for the Year 
Dear friend, Thank you very much, I’ve visited your blog, read an article that is quite interesting, makes me really happy to have been following your blog and you are an awesome blogger, full Inspiring and hope you can inspire more readers. Thank you and best regards from Gede Prama affection 🙂
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Thank you, Gede Prama, for your very kind message. I just came from visiting your site and felt such peace and compassion from your words. You have a special light, and I’m blessed that you found me.
I too have much respect for Karen Armstrong. Being a recovering alcoholic (my other blog is Running on Sober), I especially enjoyed her Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life.
I am sharing Pema Chodron’s work tomorrow, would be honored to someday share yours.
Love and light to you.
Christy
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