Deer apology

To the 

early-bird doe  

in Astoria the other 

night who took my seat

on the hill by the decrepit house 

where one can watch the ocean swallow 

the melting sun, my apologies if

I was brusque and abrasive  

in shooing you off

and claiming 

your spot 

on the grass. 

It was still warm. 

And while I admit it may

have been impolite, 

let’s be clear, 

you are a 

deer 

and you 

can plop down

damn near anywhere. 

What’s the sunset to you?

Do we both savor a delicious view?

Is this your go-to spot, too? 

Who has been here the  

longest? Who has  

seniority, I ask 

you? Sorry, 

dear,

I do.   

By Tom Vandel