Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

A frosty sunlit Sunday morning. We,
Still sleepy on our way to early Mass,
Were snapped alert”sudden anxiety”
As deer stepped from the trees intent to pass
Across in front of us and the large van
Oncoming filled with folks. Both drivers slowed,
Then stopped, and watched the deer as they began
A cautious, tiptoe taking of the road.
Two turned to gaze at us with docile eyes;
The other three observed the van instead.
Our youngest whispered, “Angels in disguise!”
The buck led off, dipping his antlered head.
The drivers inched abreast, and all aboard
Waved greetings. We’d been altered by the Lord.