Guarding Smile

She stood alone
In the forest
White robed
Kneeling now
Out of view
A brief shimmer
And a doe
Bounds away

New orders
A pouch of gold
For a fine lady
Lady of the deer
Dead or alive
Struggling isn't good
So I cock the bow
And release the arrow

Stomach filled
A roof over my head
Nagging wife, silenced
Big eyed children
Happy for once
Yet I can't smile
For the instant before
I drew the bow

Our eyes connected
Hers wide dark and trusting
Broken suddenly
By calm acceptance
A gentle nod
She opens her arms wide
Looks towards the skies
Smiles bravely

What I didn't hear
Among the forest
Was the up roar
At my killing their lady
They wanted me dead
Red blood of mine
Spilling out
Life ended

In the land
Misty figures
Of a man and a lady
Who changed from a doe
To a woman
Guard the forest
Together, all the while
They share a smile