My yard is rodent-rich and bird-endowed,
and harbors skunks and possums frequently,
but we decided deer are not allowed –
they munch too many blossoms. So we built
a gate atop the entrance steps that cowed
the eaters of our salvia and rose.
This morning exiting, I gasped aloud
at scat outside the gate, impressively
off-path, of which a cervine can be proud.

(Magic 9)