Facing a Buck

You are keen to see 
what I’ll do next. 
In a forest’s intricate greenery— 
spruce trees sticking out their rifle arms— 
you station your blunt head 
to face my ribcage. 
I stand glaring at you, 
my stance  
showing an accurate calculation  
of my defense 
but also emphasizing my vulnerability. 

From the distance: sounds of the sea, 
its wave-clashes on autopilot—  
battles without end. 

We will hold these positions 
for a minute that resembles two hours. 
Heavy as perseverance 
your antlers weigh you down. 
Too fearful to allow fear to show, 
I
  trot 
        away 
in my imagination 
but stay trained on you 
in the real life of this dell. 
For the first time 
I understand the concept of eternity. 

AUSTIN ALEXIS

Austin Alexis is the author of Privacy Issues (Broadside Lotus Press) and two chapbooks from Poets Wear Prada. His poetry and fiction have appeared in Barrow Street, The Journal, The Pedestal Magazine, Flash Boulevard, Dash, and elsewhere. He has taught at The College of New Rochelle and at Empire State College.